Advertisement
An overactive immune system can be just as serious as one that stops working
Your immune system is a fascinating, interconnected network. It protects you from millions of harmful bacteria, microbes, viruses, toxins and parasites just waiting to invade the openings of your mouth and nose and any break in your skin.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
If these unwelcome intruders do get inside your body, your immune system goes to work, sending out lines of defense — in your blood, organs, muscles or bones.
Your immune system is vital to life, but sometimes, it can get overzealous. And that’s when problems can start.
Rheumatologist Leonard Calabrese, DO, explains what can cause your immune system to go into overdrive and offers advice on how to manage things if it does.
An overactive immune system means your body can’t tell the difference between the good guys (healthy cells) and the bad guys. So, it overreacts, attacking and damaging healthy tissues by mistake. And it may even keep attacking after getting rid of the invader.
Having an allergic reaction to normally harmless things (allergens), like dust, mold, pollen, pet dander or certain foods, is common if you have an overactive immune system. Examples include:
“In many cases, an immune system that overreacts is as harmful and dangerous as one that stops working,” clarifies Dr. Calabrese. “Basically, it means your immune system has turned against you.” And that can lead to serious autoimmune conditions.
Advertisement
According to Dr. Calabrese, an overactive immune system can contribute to many different autoimmune conditions. The most common are:
Other autoimmune conditions include:
Doctors still don’t know exactly why the immune system sometimes fails. But there are clues to how it happens.
“The immune system is an integrated network that’s hard-wired into your central nervous system,” explains Dr. Calabrese. “So, when it’s healthy, everything works automatically. But things go haywire when the system starts to crumble. For example, if you don’t sleep well and get stressed out, your body will produce more of the stress hormone cortisol.
“Over time, high cortisol levels can have a degenerative effect on your body. Healthy bone and muscle break down and slow the healing process. Cortisol can interfere with digestion and metabolism, as well as adversely affecting your mental functions.”
If your immune system is working overtime, you may have one or more of these symptoms:
Depending on what type of symptoms you’re having, your provider may recommend medications for pain, skin rashes, trouble sleeping, depression and anxiety, among others. Lifestyle changes may also help.
Advertisement
“Though we don’t always know exactly why an immune system fails, we do know that adopting healthy habits can help keep your immune system ticking along well,” Dr. Calabrese says.
Some of the best habits for a healthy lifestyle include:
These steps support good cardiovascular health and can contribute to a healthy immune system.
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
If you’re getting four or more colds a year, your immune system might not be in its best shape
This spicy concoction can do more harm than good, upsetting your stomach and causing painful acid reflux
From nausea, weight gain and eczema, stress can affect your immune system in many ways
They can stop an infection before it gets you sick or prevent you from becoming seriously sick
Options like fatty fish, citrus fruits and almonds can help keep you well and heal you faster
Eat your fill of vitamins C, B6 and E, plus zinc and selenium
Eat the right foods, and get plenty of sleep and exercise
How to protect your little one from bacteria and viruses
Not all ear infections need antibiotics — cold and warm compresses and changing up your sleep position can help
A glass of lemon water in the morning can help with digestion and boost vitamin C levels, and may even help get you into a better routine