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Immune System Disorders

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Comprehensive Immune System Care at MediDental Care in Astoria

The immune system is your body's natural defense mechanism—but when it becomes overactive, underactive, or misdirected, it can lead to a variety of chronic conditions. The immune system works to protect the body against harmful invaders such as bacteria and viruses. Immune system disorders can occur when the body's immune response is abnormal. At MediDental Care, we specialize in the early detection and ongoing management of immune system disorders. As a trusted provider of primary care in Astoria, our focus is on comprehensive, personalized treatment plans that improve your quality of life and help prevent complications.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease or are experiencing unexplained symptoms, our team is here to help you take control of your health.

What Are Immune System Disorders?

Immune system disorders occur when your body’s immune response is abnormal. Immunity is the body's ability to recognize and defend against harmful substances. These conditions fall into three main categories:

  • Immunodeficiencies (when the immune system is underactive)
  • Autoimmune diseases (when the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues)
  • Allergic disorders (when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances)

There are so many different types of immune system disorders, each with unique symptoms and causes.

When the immune system is too weak, infections and diseases can happen more easily. If it is too strong or attacks the body, autoimmune diseases or allergies can happen.

Types of Immune Disorders

  • White blood cells play a central role in all types of immune responses, whether the immune system is overactive, underactive, or functioning normally.
  • Autoimmune Disorders: The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)
  • Immunodeficiency Disorders: The immune system is underactive or impaired (e.g., HIV, primary immune deficiencies)
  • Allergic Reactions & Hypersensitivity: Overreaction to harmless substances (e.g., asthma, food allergies, eczema). For example, an allergic reaction to pollen can cause symptoms like sneezing and watery eyes.

Common Symptoms

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Joint pain or swelling
  • Recurring infections
  • Rashes, hives, or other skin changes
  • Digestive issues
  • Unexplained fevers or inflammation (symptoms can be severe in some cases)

Symptoms vary widely depending on the specific disorder and can sometimes be severe.

Early diagnosis and targeted treatment can help minimize flare-ups and long-term damage.

Overactive Immune System and Inflammation

An overactive immune system can cause the body to mistakenly attack its own healthy cells and tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and a wide range of health problems. This process is at the heart of many autoimmune diseases, where immune system cells identify normal, healthy tissue as harmful substances and launch an attack. As a result, inflammation develops in affected areas, which can damage joints, organs, blood vessels, and other tissues throughout the body.

Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and multiple sclerosis are prime examples of conditions where the immune system attacks healthy tissue. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system targets the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Systemic lupus erythematosus can affect the skin, kidneys, blood cells, and other organs, while multiple sclerosis involves immune system attacks on the protective covering of nerve cells, leading to muscle weakness and trouble with coordination.

Inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis, is another autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the lining of the digestive tract, resulting in symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. In Graves’ disease, the immune system targets the thyroid gland, causing it to produce too much thyroid hormone. This can lead to symptoms such as bulging eyes, trouble breathing, and rapid weight loss.

The causes of an overactive immune system are complex and can involve certain genes, environmental triggers, infections, toxins, and even some medicines. Research from the National Institute of Health and other national institutes has shown that people with a family history of autoimmune disorders may have a higher risk of developing these conditions. Environmental factors, such as exposure to viruses or chemicals, can also act as triggers.

Symptoms of autoimmune diseases can vary widely but often include swelling, joint pain, fatigue, skin rashes, and digestive issues. Because these symptoms overlap with many other conditions, healthcare providers rely on a combination of blood tests (to detect antibodies and inflammation), imaging studies, and a thorough review of your health history to make an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment for autoimmune diseases typically focuses on reducing inflammation and suppressing the overactive immune response. Medicines such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, biologics, and JAK inhibitors are commonly used to target specific immune system cells and minimize tissue damage. In addition, physical therapy, regular exercise, and stress management can help improve mobility and overall well-being.

While there is currently no cure for most autoimmune diseases, many people are able to manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life with the right combination of treatments and support. Working closely with your healthcare provider is essential to developing a personalized care plan that addresses your unique needs and helps you stay as healthy as possible.

Why Immune System Disorders Require Primary Care

Many immune disorders are complex and require consistent monitoring, multidisciplinary care, and individualized treatment. Primary care serves as the foundation for that support. Doctors play a key role in diagnosing and managing immune system disorders, including identifying symptoms, ordering appropriate tests, and developing treatment plans.

Benefits of Managing Immune Disorders Through Primary Care

  • Early detection through screening and lab tests
  • Coordinated care with specialists (e.g., rheumatologists, allergists)
  • Ongoing medication and symptom management
  • Lifestyle and diet guidance
  • Preventive care to avoid infections and complications
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How MediDental Care Manages Immune Disorders

Our primary care team in Astoria takes a whole-body approach to immune system dysfunction. Immune system disorders can affect specific organs and organ function, sometimes leading to muscle weakness or other muscle-related symptoms. We help you navigate diagnosis, treatment, and long-term health management.

Step-by-Step Immune Disorder Care Plan

1. Initial Evaluation

  • Full review of medical and family history
  • Comprehensive symptom assessment
  • Physical exam with focus on immune-related signs

2. Diagnostic Testing

  • Blood panels (CBC, CRP, ANA, ESR)
  • Autoantibody screening
  • Immune function tests
  • Allergy testing when appropriate
  • Physical exams may include checking lymph nodes for swelling or tenderness, as these small, bean-shaped structures are important in immune defense and can indicate infection or inflammation.

3. Personalized Treatment Plans

Medicine is a key part of managing immune disorders, as it can help control symptoms and prevent complications.

Depending on the condition, treatment may include:

  • Immunosuppressive medications (for autoimmune disorders)
  • Antivirals or antibiotics (for immunodeficiencies)
  • Allergy medications or immunotherapy
  • Other drugs that may be used to manage symptoms or complications, such as chemotherapy or medications for related conditions
  • Anti-inflammatory diet recommendations

Symptoms can become worse during flare-ups or if not properly managed, so ongoing monitoring and adjustment of medicine and other treatments are important.

4. Ongoing Management

  • Regular lab monitoring
  • Flare-up prevention plans
  • Collaboration with specialists
  • Patient education and emotional support

Lifestyle Support for Immune Health

Immune health is deeply connected to lifestyle. Making healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of getting sick by supporting immune function. Our care team works with you to build habits that support long-term wellness.

Tips to Strengthen Immune Function

  • Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats
  • Avoid processed foods and added sugars
  • Get regular, moderate exercise
  • Prioritize sleep and stress management
  • Stay up to date on recommended vaccinations

Common Immune Disorders We Help Manage

These are some of the most common autoimmune diseases managed at the clinic. These common autoimmune diseases include a range of conditions where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, leading to diverse symptoms and requiring different treatments.

  • Lupus (SLE)
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
  • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
  • Celiac disease
  • Multiple sclerosis (in collaboration with neurologists)
  • HIV (routine primary care support and coordination)
  • Primary immunodeficiency syndromes
  • Chronic allergic conditions (eczema, asthma)

Why Choose MediDental Care for Immune Disorder Management in Astoria?

  • Experienced primary care providers with chronic disease expertise
  • On-site lab testing and fast results
  • Integrated referrals to top specialists
  • Multilingual staff and culturally sensitive care
  • Flexible appointments, including evenings and same-day visits

We’re proud to support patients in our community with compassionate, informed primary care in Astoria that treats the whole person. For those interested in oral health, you can view educational dental videos about the dental services available in Astoria.

Book an Immune Health Consultation in Astoria

If you’re living with an immune system disorder or experiencing unexplained symptoms, the team at MediDental Care is here to help.

📍 Conveniently located in Astoria, Queens
📞 Call us or book your appointment online

Take charge of your immune health with expert, whole-person care at MediDental Care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes autoimmune disorders?

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Autoimmune disorders often have genetic and environmental triggers, such as infections or stress, that cause the immune system to attack healthy tissue. Genetics can increase the risk of developing autoimmune disorders, as certain genes may predispose individuals to these conditions. For example, in type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks the pancreas, impairing its ability to produce insulin, a hormone essential for regulating blood sugar levels.

Can immune disorders be cured?

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There are currently no definitive cures for most autoimmune diseases. However, symptoms can be managed effectively with the right combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring.

How are immune disorders diagnosed?

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Diagnosis typically includes a physical exam, a detailed symptom history, and lab tests like autoimmune panels or immune function testing.

Will I need to see a specialist?

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In many cases, yes. Your primary care doctor at MediDental Care can coordinate with rheumatologists, immunologists, or allergists as needed.

What role does diet play in immune health?

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Diet can influence inflammation and immune response. We may recommend anti-inflammatory or elimination diets depending on your diagnosis.

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Address:

2246 31st St, Astoria, NY 11105

Hours of Operation

Monday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday
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Saturday
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Sunday
11:00 am - 4:00 pm