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Immunology

Immunology

Immunology is the study of the immune system and how it functions during infection or exposure to environmental triggers. The field is quite relevant now, with viral strains being discovered and impacting global health. Immunology researches immunological disorders like allergies, immune deficiency complications, organ transplants, and autoimmune disorders.

Immunology Singapore has continued research and development in the realm of immunology. The goal is to understand better pathogenesis, diagnostics, and treatment for patients with immuno-related conditions.

What Is Immunology?

Immunology covers a wide range of health aspects as it deals with the immune system’s physical, chemical, and physiological characteristics. It is a complex world of structures and immunity functions. If the immune system is not working correctly, the result is a disorder, disease, or other illness.

Most immunologist Singapore scientists work in a laboratory setting, focusing on research (e.g., academic institutions or private pharmaceutical labs). Meanwhile, other clinicians see patients and focus on diagnosis and disease management – from allergies and autoimmune diseases to immune deficiency treatment.

Immunology applies to a broad range of medical fields, including bioresearch and public health. Immunologists or immunology specialists can balance research and treatment for all types of patient needs.

Why Is Immunology Important?

When it comes to health, it’s vital to stay informed. There is never a more relevant field in healthcare, especially with the recent COVID-19 pandemic reshaping the healthcare response in Singapore and all over the world.

Immunological research brings new insights into emerging pathogens, such as the coronavirus, Ebola, and others. Advancing the understanding of basic immunology is essential for clinicians and pharmaceutical industries. Immunology facilitates accurate insights for the entirety of the health care system.

What Does an Immunologist Do?

Immunologists can work in a laboratory or directly deliver treatment and patient care. Here are several conditions that immunology Singapore doctors study or treat:

Immune Deficiency

The term immunocompromised refers to any health condition that involves weakened immunity. There are two types of immune deficiency disorders: primary immunodeficiencies, which are hereditary, and secondary immunodeficiencies, which result from a disease (e.g., AIDS resulting from HIV).

Cancer patients, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients, and congenitally compromised patients are more susceptible to contracting infections and succumbing to viral diseases. Immunocompromised patients experience debilitating or fatal infections, needing medicine and ongoing treatment to combat severe conditions.

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases develop when the body’s own immune system attacks it instead of protecting it from pathogens. Examples of autoimmune diseases are type-1 diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s Disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Asthma

Asthma is a debilitating disease that occurs when the immune system responds to what you inhale from the air. The airways can thicken and sometimes be fatal due to this body part being blocked. It is a significant cause of illness and is yet to be fully understood by immunologists.

Allergies

Allergies refer to hypersensitivity disorders that happen when your body reacts against harmless foreign substances, where the body releases potent chemicals to attack them. Some of the common allergies include eating certain types of food like seafood and peanuts or inhaling airborne allergens like dust and pollen. There are also cases when prescription medicine causes an allergic reaction.

Immunology Singapore

Studies why the body may react in a certain way (e.g., skin-related conditions like rashes), what happens to the body during allergic reactions to food and drugs, and what can prevent or control these allergies from impacting the daily life of individuals.otent chemicals to attack them. Some of the common allergies include eating certain types of food like seafood and peanuts or inhaling airborne allergens like dust and pollen. There are also cases when prescription medicine causes an allergic reaction.

Transplants

Transplanting involves transferring cells, tissues, or organs from a human donor to a recipient. It is a complicated procedure as it’s always a gamble if the recipient’s immune response will accept or reject the transplanted organ. Immunologists pave the way for new strategies and drugs to minimise the risk of rejection and enable the recipient to thrive with the new organ transplant.

When to See an Immunologist?

As mentioned, immune deficiency, autoimmune conditions, allergies, asthma, and organ transplant patients have varied diagnostic and treatment needs. Immunology Singapore specialists work with patients in diagnosing and treating immune-related issues. An immunology specialist Singapore will find out about the patient’s current symptoms, medications, previous treatments, if any, medical history, and any risk of toxic exposure in their daily life.

Once these details are collected, your immunologist may conduct tests:

  • Patch tests that determine substances that cause allergic skin reactions
  • Skin prick tests that identify food and environment allergens
  • Antibody tests that measure the levels of antibodies present in the blood to diagnose specific immunodeficiencies.
  • T cell tests that measure the number of immune cells, or T cells, in your blood.

After diagnosis, the immunologist can then plan a course of action. Treatments may also vary and may include:

  • Antihistamines, topical ointments, and over-the-counter decongestants that can alleviate minor allergies
  • Antibiotics that can combat recurring infections
  • Epinephrine injections for severe systemic allergic reaction to food and environmental particles
  • Immunoglobulin replacement or stem cell transplantation for primary immunodeficiency diseases


Patients with immune-related health concerns will generally see their immunologist regularly. Autoimmune diseases, allergies, and immune deficiencies have long-term effects and will require follow-up appointments and continuing treatment. Moreover, patients and doctors can discuss any new drug or treatment that may improve the results of the patient.

The immune system is a mysterious network of cells, hormones, and responses that protect you from infections. If it becomes problematic, the line of defence can be compromised, or incorrect immune responses may attack the body itself. Individuals who are experiencing these symptoms should always consult with an immunologist in Singapore. These specialists have both research and practice on their side to address immune-related health conditions.

Immunology is essential for clinical and pharmaceutical applications because it brings new information about how our immune systems work. The field maximises technological advances to facilitate valuable discoveries, so it is a stronghold for everyone in public health and clinical patient care.

Resources

  • https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-does-it-mean-to-be-Immunocompromised.aspx
  • https://www.healthline.com/health/autoimmune-disorders
  • https://www.sgh.com.sg/research-innovation/research-focus/immunology-singapore-general-hospital

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