Immunity (in Latin immunitas - getting rid of something) is the body's immunity to infectious agents and substances that carry foreign information at the genetic level. This is important to remember. In general, this is a protective reaction of the body to certain irritants. Currently, many are wondering about which drugs increase immunity. This will be described later.
How does it work?
By definition, immunity is a combination of reactions between the corresponding system and biologically active type agents (antigens), which are aimed at preserving constancy in the internal environment of the body (homeostasis). Next, we consider this process in detail.
When an antigen enters the body, an interaction of immune cells occurs with it. That is, there is such a peculiar definition as “alien” or “own”. After this, a corresponding reaction occurs. Namely, if foreign antigens are introduced, antibodies are released by the immune system. With their help, malicious elements are destroyed. This is the so-called humoral immunity. Paul Erlich opened this terminology .
Some biological agents (bacteria, cancer cells, etc.) can be directly eliminated. Such elements as phagocytes “eat” them. This is called cellular immunity. It was discovered by I.I. Mechnikov. These immunities are interconnected. This is due to the fact that phagocytes, absorbing a bacterium, produce antibodies against it.
Description of signs of weakened immunity in adults and children
The border between normal and reduced functionality of the immune system is very thin, as a result of which it is almost impossible to determine it yourself. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to consult an immunologist or an allergist. He will prescribe an appropriate laboratory test and determine the necessary drugs to enhance immunity.
Indirect signs indicating a decrease in this indicator may include:
- The presence of frequent colds, viral infections per year more than 5 times. In this case, the temperature does not rise much.
- Manifestations of increased fatigue, general weakness, headaches, blue under the eyes, pallor of the skin. However, these same symptoms can occur with blood diseases. As a result of this, with these symptoms, you must consult a doctor.
- The occurrence of drowsiness, insomnia.
- A painless increase in the axillary and cervical lymph nodes, as well as the spleen.
- The occurrence of brittle nails, dull split hair.
- The manifestation of dryness and peeling of the skin.
- An allergy to the immune system is a food, cold, sun allergy, as well as a corresponding cough and rhinitis.
- The occurrence of intestinal dysbiosis. In this case, there is a deterioration in appetite, flatulence, impaired stool, weight loss.
Immunity preparations for children
The child is very susceptible to SARS and the influenza virus. In this case, it is better to use the following drugs for immunity to children:
- "Temiflu" is effective in influenza viruses of the category "A" and "B". This drug performs a certain action, namely, it helps to prevent the spread and reproduction of this virus in the human body. "Temiflu" is not recommended for use with increased sensitivity to constituent components. The treatment process should begin no later than 2 days after the onset of the initial flu-like symptoms. The drug should be taken during meals, namely in the morning and evening. The treatment course is carried out for 5 days. This drug should be taken exclusively for medical purposes.
- "Rimantadine." This tool is used for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes in the case of influenza A virus. This drug is not prescribed for children under 7 years of age. In general, this medicine does not contribute to the manifestation of side effects. However, sometimes allergic reactions may occur. These include memory impairment, sleep disturbance, nervousness, nausea, and vomiting.
- "Acyclovir" is an antiviral agent. It is taken in a special case, namely with the manifestation of the herpes virus. With the help of this medication, it is possible to prevent the subsequent formation of a rash, prevent the development of complications in the internal organs, strengthen the formation of crusts and reduce pain. In addition, this drug stimulates the body's immune system.
Such drugs are available in various forms. It can be tablets, a solution (for intravenous use), ointments and creams (for local treatment). This drug is contraindicated in newborn babies. This is important to know. Tablets are prescribed to a child after 2 years in the same dosage as for an adult. The solution is administered to babies from three months of age. Children under 2 years of age are prescribed 1/2 adult dose.
Immune strengthening drugs
In this case, there are several types. Immune enhancing drugs can be classified both by their mechanism of action and by origin. Next, we consider each category in more detail.
Herbal preparations:
- Echinacea. This plant is part of the family of asters, which contains 10 types. Echinacea purpurea is considered the most popular. For medical purposes, apply all the elements of the plant, namely: leaves, stems, roots, flowers. Echinacea contains a large amount of essential oils and vitamins. It has a direct antimicrobial and antiviral effect. Also, this plant helps to stimulate cellular immunity, that is, it provides an increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood. The most popular drug containing echinacea is Immunal.
- Eleutherococcus. This is a type of prickly trees and shrubs belonging to the Arallian family. Vessels include 30 types. In this case, rhizomes and roots are used as medicinal raw materials. Eleutherococcus is used as a special extract. It contains many useful substances for the human body that have an anti-stress effect. He also has caffeine, therefore, after taking the drug, vigor appears and performance increases.
- Ginseng has many healing properties. The composition of this root is the same as in eleutherococcus. However, do not forget about the presence of caffeine, which can be addictive and overdose, which can be dangerous for heart disease and hypertension.
- Chinese magnolia vine is a flowering perennial plant. Eat its fruits. From the leaves you can make tea. This drug has a large amount of vitamin "C". Also, Chinese magnolia vine has a powerful psychostimulating effect, which contributes to increased efficiency and stress resistance. With its overdose, insomnia appears. This remedy should be taken with caution in cores and hypertensive patients.
Bacterial preparations
This is a certain group of drugs that increase immunity and contain bacterial cell components. It acts quite simply: bacterial proteins, getting into the human body, cause not a disease, but an immune response to this microorganism. As a result of this, when a real microbe enters, the corresponding system will already be “armed” with antibodies. Immunity boosting drugs act like vaccinations.
- "Imudon", "Ribomunil", "Likopid", "Irs-19 contain bacterial elements that are most common in infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
- Uro-Wax is a lysate of bacteria such as Escherichia coli. It is used for chronic infections in the urinary tract caused by this microbe.
Means containing interferon
Immunity enhancing drugs are divided into two subgroups:
- Interferon is human. In the body, there are about 20. They are divided into three subgroups (gamma, beta and alpha). The production of such a substance in pharmaceutical companies is carried out both individually and in the form of appropriate mixes. For instance. “Viferon”, “Laferon”, “Grippferon”, “Velferon” and so on. They are produced using genetic engineering or using donated blood.
- Stimulants that produce endogenous interferon are a group of drugs that fight against viral infections, namely: Arbidol, Anaferon, Kagocel, Amiksin, etc.
Nucleic Acid Medications
These drugs to enhance immunity are stimulants of cellular and humoral immunity. The principles of their mechanism of action are not fully understood. They are mainly used for bacterial infections (including the development of tuberculosis), as well as to increase the effectiveness of vaccines such as derinat and sodium nucleinate.
Also, these drugs that increase immunity, have a pronounced wound healing effect. This makes them very useful in the presence of purulent wounds and extensive burns. Some drugs that increase immunity are used as stimulants to produce interferon for viral infections. For example, Ridostin.
Thymus Remedies
In another way, this category is called immunoregulatory peptides. These include Timosin, Timalin, Timogen, Timaktid, etc. The oldest group of immunomodulators, known since the 70s, is an extract from an element such as the thymus gland of animals. It stimulates certain parts of the immune system. It is effective in the presence of immunodeficiency conditions, which are mainly caused by chronic infections. For example, trophic ulcers, tuberculosis, etc.
Biogenic category stimulants
This group includes drugs that increase immunity in adults. They are based on animal or plant tissue. Vessels include: Actovegin, aloe extract, Biosed, Fibs, Gumizol.
Azoximera bromide
A fairly new drug in this category is Polyoxidonium. It was founded in 1997. Currently, it is quite a popular tool. It has an immunostimulating, antioxidant, detoxifying and membrane stabilizing effect. Also, the substance has the properties of a hepatoprotector. To increase its bioavailability, they created a drug called "Longidaza". This remedy is a combination of Polyoxidonium and Lidase.
Vitamins
They provide the normalization of metabolic processes in the human body, and also contribute to the restoration of the immune system. However, it is best to eat natural foods that contain vitamins. There are many of them in vegetables, fruits, cereals, nuts, sea fish, etc.
Transfer factor
In the early 50s of the last century, the discovery of special proteins was carried out. They provide the transfer of information from one cell of the immune type to another. At the same time, the connection between humoral immunity and cellular immunity is provided. The combination of these proteins was called the transfer factor. In the period of the 80s of the 20th century, 4Life Research developed a technology for its extraction from cow colostrum and chicken yolks. In this case, a certain pattern was established. It consisted in the fact that cow transfer factors are identical to human ones. As a result of this, the idea appeared to stimulate the production of antibodies in the human body in this way.
Conclusion
After reviewing the above information, everyone will be able to find the answer to the question of which drugs for immunity exist, what they are and how they act. In this case, it should be remembered that all funds of this type should preferably be taken after consultation with a qualified doctor.