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Showing posts with the label Immunologist

What is Immunology? Why is it Important to us?

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What is Immunology? If the immune system is not working properly, it can result in diseases like autoimmunity, allergies and cancer. It is now also becoming clear that immune responses contribute to the development of many common disorders not traditionally viewed as immunological, including metabolic, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's. Why is Immunology Important? From the pioneering work of Edward Jenner in the 18th century, which would eventually lead to vaccination in its modern form (an innovation that probably saved more lives than any other medical advance), many scientists in the 19th and 20th centuries Successes that would lead to, among other things, safe organ transplantation, identification of blood groups, and the now ubiquitous use of monoclonal antibodies in science and healthcare, immunology has changed the face of modern medicine. With ongoing research efforts into immunotherapy, autoimmune diseases and vaccines for emerging ...

What does a Clinical Pediatric Immunologist do?

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 If your child suffers from allergies or other problems with his or her immune system, a pediatrician/immunologist has specialized skills to treat your child. Your child's immune system fights off infection. If your child has allergies, his immune system reacts incorrectly to things that are usually harmless. Pet dander, pollen, dust, mold spores, insect stings, food and medicines are examples of such things. This reaction can cause his body to react with health problems such as asthma, hay fever, hives, eczema (a rash), or a very severe and unusual reaction called anaphylaxis. Sometimes, if your child's immune system is not working properly, he may suffer from frequent, severe and/or unusual infections. Examples of such infections are sinusitis (inflammation of one or more sinuses), pneumonia (infection of the lungs), thrush (a fungal infection in the mouth), and abscesses. A pediatrician/immunologist detects and treats these allergies and immune system problems. What ki...