Tag: Immunology

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), ASO antibody levels typically rise about a week after a streptococcal infection, peak at 3–6 weeks, and then decline slowly over months. Understanding **how to reduce ASO levels** is primarily about addressing the root bacterial infection and supporting the body's natural recovery process.

Many autoimmune diseases and certain cancers are characterized by abnormally high levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and pathogenic autoantibodies. Understanding **what medications can lower IgG levels** is crucial for targeted therapeutic interventions in these conditions, and a variety of pharmacological approaches exist to achieve this goal.

In 2023, the United States reported 9,633 cases of tuberculosis, a disease often diagnosed using an intradermal skin test [1.8.1, 1.8.2]. This diagnostic tool's accuracy hinges on a key question: **what degree is an intradermal skin test** administered at for proper results?

For up to 40% of Crohn's disease patients, anti-TNF biologics either fail to work initially or lose their effectiveness over time. This can be a discouraging setback, leaving many to wonder **what happens if biologics don't work for Crohn's** and what their next options are.

Corticosteroids are a standard treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses, intended to reduce inflammation and shorten the duration of symptoms. In particular, high-dose oral prednisone is often used to effectively manage acute flare-ups in a convenient, at-home setting, offering an alternative to intravenous therapies.

Aluminum salts have been used safely in vaccines for over 70 years to help the body build a stronger immune response [1.6.1]. This article explores the question, 'What does aluminum phosphate do to the body?', detailing its dual roles as a medical treatment and an immune-boosting agent.

The immune and coagulation systems are not separate entities but are intricately linked, a relationship sometimes termed 'immunothrombosis'. This inherent connection means that blood thinners, by design, will influence more than just clotting, posing a complex question: do blood thinners affect the immune system?.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, treatment for hypersensitivity depends on the specific type of immune reaction involved, which is categorized into four main types. Understanding **what medication is used for hypersensitivity** requires distinguishing between these types to ensure effective and appropriate management of symptoms.

Affecting millions over the age of 50, giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis that can lead to severe complications, including permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. A key component of modern therapy for this condition is the **injection for giant cell arteritis**, primarily the biologic medication tocilizumab (Actemra), which targets the inflammatory pathways involved in the disease.

While the idea of the body *rejecting drugs* might conjure images of an organ transplant rejection, the reality in pharmacology is more nuanced. A drug's effectiveness can diminish over time due to several distinct biological and immunological processes, not a single "rejection" event. This article clarifies the science behind these reactions, from developing drug tolerance to experiencing an allergic response.