Immunity (in Latin immunitas - deliverance, liberation from 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 stimuli. Currently, many are wondering what drugs increase immunity. This will be discussed later.
How does it work?
By definition, immunity is a set of interaction reactions of the corresponding system and agents of a biologically active type (antigens), which are aimed at maintaining constancy in the internal environment of the body (homeostasis). Next, we will consider this process in detail.
When an antigen enters the body, immune cells interact with it. That is, this happensa peculiar definition, as "foreign" or "our". After that, a corresponding reaction occurs. Namely, if the introduction of foreign antigens has occurred, then antibodies are secreted by the immune system. With their help, malicious elements are destroyed. This is the so-called humoral immunity. This terminology was discovered by Paul Ehrlich.
Some biological agents (bacteria, cancer cells, etc.) can be directly eliminated. "Eat" them such elements as phagocytes. This is called cellular immunity. It was discovered by I. I. Mechnikov. These immunities are interconnected. This is due to the fact that phagocytes, ingesting a bacterium, produce antibodies against it.
Description of signs of weakened immunity in adults and children
The boundary between normal and reduced immunity functionality is very thin, making it almost impossible to determine it on your own. 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 boost immunity.
Indirect signs indicating a decrease in this indicator can be:
- Presence of frequent colds, viral infections more than 5 times a year. At the same time, the temperature does not rise much.
- Manifestations of increased fatigue, general weakness, headaches, blue under the eyes, pallor of the skincovers. However, these same symptoms can occur with blood diseases. As a result, with these symptoms, you should seek medical advice.
- The occurrence of drowsiness, insomnia.
- Painless enlargement of the axillary and cervical lymph nodes, as well as the spleen.
- The occurrence of brittle nails, dull split hair.
- Manifestation of dryness and flaking of the skin.
- It is a sign of a malfunction in the immune system food, cold, sun allergies, as well as the corresponding cough and rhinitis.
- The occurrence of intestinal dysbacteriosis. In this case, there is a deterioration in appetite, flatulence, impaired stool, weight loss.
Drugs for immunity for children
The child is very susceptible to SARS and influenza virus. In this case, it is better to use the following drugs for children's immunity:
"Temiflu" is effective against influenza virus category "A" and "B". This drug performs a certain action, namely, it helps to prevent the spread and reproduction of the specified virus in the human body. "Temiflu" is not recommended for hypersensitivity to the constituent components. The treatment process should begin no later than 2 days after the onset of initial influenza 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 only be taken as directed by a doctor
- "Rimantadine". This tool is used for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes in influenza virus category "A". 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, allergic reactions can sometimes occur. These include memory impairment, sleep disturbance, nervousness, nausea, vomiting.
- "Acyclovir" is an antiviral type of drug. It is taken in a special case, namely with the manifestation of the herpes virus. With the help of this medicine, you can prevent the subsequent formation of a rash, prevent the development of complications in the internal organs, increase the formation of crusts and reduce pain. In addition, this drug helps to stimulate the body's immune system.
Such medicines are produced in various forms. These can be tablets, solution (for intravenous use), ointments and creams (for topical 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 introduction of the solution is carried out by babies from the age of three months. Children under 2 years of age are prescribed 1/2 of the adult dose.
Drugs to strengthen immunity
In this case, several types are considered. Medicines that increase immunity can be classified both by the mechanism of action and by origin. Next, consider each category in more detail.
Herbal preparations:
- Echinacea. This plant belongs to the Asteraceae family, which contains 10 types. Echinacea purpurea is considered the most popular. For medical purposes, all elements of the plant are used, 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 leukocytes in the blood. The most popular product containing echinacea is Immunal.
- Eleutherococcus. This is a species of thorny trees and shrubs belonging to the Ararliaceae family. Vessels include 30 types. In this case, rhizomes and roots are used as medicinal raw materials. Eleutherococcus is used in the form of a special extract. It contains many substances useful for the human body that have an anti-stress effect. It also has caffeine, so after taking the drug, vivacity appears and efficiency 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 in heart disease and hypertension.
- Chinese magnolia vine is a flowering perennial plant. Its fruits are eaten. The leaves can be used to make tea. This drug has a large amount of vitamin "C". Also, Chinese lemongrass has a powerfulpsychostimulating effect, which contributes to increased efficiency and stress resistance. Overdose causes insomnia. This remedy should be taken with caution by cores and hypertensive patients.
Bacterial preparations
This is a certain group of drugs that increase immunity and contain bacterial cell components. It works quite simply: when bacterial proteins enter the human body, they do not cause a disease, but an immune response to this microorganism. As a result, when a real microbe enters, the corresponding system will already be “armed” with antibodies. Immunity-boosting drugs work like vaccinations.
- "Imudon", "Ribomunil", "Likopid", "Irs-19 contain elements of bacteria that are most common in infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
- "Uro-Vax" is a lysate of bacteria such as Escherichia coli. It is used for chronic urinary tract infections caused by this microbe.
Products containing interferon
Medicines that increase immunity are divided into two subgroups:
- Human interferon. There are about 20 of them in the body. They are divided into three subgroups (gamma, beta and alpha). The production of such a substance in pharmaceutical companies is carried out both separately and in the form of appropriate mixes. For example. "Viferon", "Laferon", "Grippferon", "Velferon" and more. They are produced using geneticengineering or using donated blood.
- Stimulants that produce endogenous interferon are a group of drugs that fight viral infections, namely: Arbidol, Anaferon, Kagocel, Amiksin, etc.
Medicines containing nucleic acids
These immune-boosting drugs 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 for the production of interferon in viral-type infections. For example, Ridostin.
Thymus products
In another way, this category is called immunoregulatory peptides. This includes 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 individual 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.
Stimulators of biogeniccategories
This group includes drugs that increase immunity in adults. They are based on animal or plant tissues. Vessels include: "Actovegin", aloe extract, "Biosed", "Fibs", "Gumizol".
Azoximer bromide
A fairly new drug in this category is Polyoxidonium. It was founded in 1997. It's pretty popular right now. It has an immunostimulating, antioxidant, detoxifying and membrane stabilizing effect. Also, the substance has the properties of a hepatoprotector. To increase its bioavailability, a drug called Longidaza was created. This remedy is a combination of "Polyoxidonium" and "Lidase".
Vitamins
They ensure the normalization of metabolic processes in the human body, and also contribute to the restoration of the immune system. However, it is best to use natural products that contain vitamins. They are abundant in vegetables, fruits, cereals, nuts, sea fish, etc.
Transfer factor
In the early 1950s, specific proteins were discovered. They ensure the transfer of information from one immune-type cell to another. At the same time, the connection between humoral immunity and cellular immunity is ensured. The combination of these proteins was called the transfer factor. During the 1980s, 4Life Research developed a technology for extracting it from cow colostrum and chicken yolks. In this case, a certain pattern was established. It was that bovine transfer factors are identical to human ones. As a result of this, the idea was born 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 what drugs for immunity exist, what they are and how they work. At the same time, it should be remembered that it is advisable to take all funds of this type after consulting a qualified doctor.
