A compromised immune system can be caused by medical therapies, underlying diseases, congenital conditions, exposure to toxins, infections, or certain medications. Patients with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of infections and may require isolation or monitoring during treatment. Treatments are available to address these concerns.
A compromised immune system doesn’t work as it should because components are weakened or missing. Patients may develop immunocompromise, as is known, as a result of medical therapies, underlying diseases or congenital conditions. Until the immune system is fully functional, the patient is at greater risk of infections and is less able to fight them off. Treatments are available to address these concerns, whether the immunocompromise is temporary or permanent.
Some patients have congenital immunodeficiencies, which means that their immune system doesn’t work properly because their bodies can’t make certain cells or regulate immune function. In other cases, a compromised immune system is an acquired condition, caused by exposure to toxins, infections such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or certain medications. Some drugs can suppress immune function as a side effect, seen with anticancer drugs and some steroids. The benefits of treatment outweigh the risks, but the patient should be monitored during treatment.
Some medical treatments may require the deliberate induction of a compromised immune system. Patients preparing for transplants, for example, have to suppress their immune systems so they don’t refuse the transplant. They also need to be on lifelong immunosuppressant medications to prevent rejection from occurring. A temporary state of severe immune compromise can be induced just before a bone marrow transplant, in which donor marrow will eventually replace the immune function.
Infectious organisms are more likely to take hold in a patient with a compromised immune system, including rare organisms that don’t usually cause disease in healthy individuals. The body lacks the defenses to identify and destroy bacteria, viruses and other causes of disease. Also, once an infection develops, the body is less able to suppress it. This means that a “normal” cold or flu could become severe, because the patient’s body does not have the same adaptations as healthy people.
It may be necessary to isolate patients when their immune systems are particularly low. This could be in a hospital or safe home environment. Others may be advised to be alert to potential sources of exposure, such as young children who may carry virus mix from the classroom or foods known to carry infectious organisms. The drugs can improve a compromised immune system in some cases, but they may need to be balanced against other health issues that could create contraindications, where the drug would not be safe to use.
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