Originally published on pinoria.com
During a time when pandemic fears run high, a healthy immune system is essential to fight off unwanted illness. A body experiencing a weak immune system is vulnerable to bacteria, infection, viruses, and diseases. Immune systems lacking necessary strength can make coughs, common bugs, colds, and more severe illnesses challenging to overcome.
Kevin Dalby, Austin doctor and professor at the College of Pharmacy at The University of Texas does extensive research on cancer drug discovery and immune systems. Below, Dalby reviews five warning signs of a weakened immune system.
Warning Sign #1: Constant Fatigue
Constant fatigue is experienced when someone wakes up extremely tired and continues to feel exhausted throughout the day. Small tasks that might seem minuscule for some can be mountainous for those with continuous fatigue. When dealing with all day exhaustion, more sleep is not the answer. While there are many reasons for tiredness, a weak immune system could be the cause. If the immune system is stuck in overdrive, the body is working harder than it should fight off unwanted factors, which results in ongoing and unshakable weariness.
Warning Sign #2: Battling Regular Infections
From continuous indigestion or diarrhea, yeast infections, and urinary tract infections to red and inflamed gums and scabs that are slow to heal, a line of infections is never fun to undergo. An overworked immune system that diminishes in strength could be battling regular infections. When someone is continually dealing with ongoing infections, that means that their immune system cannot fully reach its working capacity. An infection now and then is typical, but a continuous stream is a warning sign for a feeble immune system.
Warning Sign #3: Allergies
Holding a cat, dusting, or the yearly fall of pollen is known to turn watery eyes and runny noses into leaky faucets. Seasonal allergies are common, but new and unfamiliar acquired allergies can raise a red flag. A compromised immune system can result in round-the-clock watery eyes, skin rashes, stomach issues, joint pain, or poor reactions to food.
Warning Sign #4: Coldness, Tingling, or Numbness in Hands
Feelings of coldness, tingling, or numbness in the hands can result from multiple factors, including a jeopardized immune system. A lack of blood flow from inflamed blood vessels consequences in cold hands, making warmth more challenging to achieve. Tingling or numbness in the hands and even feet could be harmless, but it also could be a warning sign from the body that it is attacking nerves that send signs to the muscles.
Warning Sign #5: Endless Illness
If the rare illness causes misery, imagine fighting regularly for excellent and sustainable health. For those who find themselves always sick, with either different types of viruses or the same reoccurring bug, it could be a reaction from a frail immune system. The body’s immune system is in daily war with occupying viruses, diseases, or bacteria. Things to be on the alert for is returning colds, flu, mouth ulcers, or bladder infections.
About Kevin Dalby
Dr. Kevin Dalby is a professor of chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, currently working on cancer drug discovery. At the College of Pharmacy at The University of Texas, he is examining the mechanisms of nature and cancer to develop new treatments, and teaching and motivating students to conduct research. Dalby is optimistic about the future of cancer treatments.