Cytokines are small proteins that are produced by cells of the immune system as part of the body’s normal defense against foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. They act as signals between different parts of the immune system to coordinate an appropriate response.
In some cases, however, the body’s production of these cytokines goes into overdrive, resulting in what is known as a “cytokine storm”. This occurs when too many cytokines are released at once which leads to an exaggerated inflammatory response from the body that can cause serious damage to healthy tissue and organs.
A cytokine storm can result from infections such as influenza, sepsis an infection in the bloodstream, or other bacterial or viral illnesses; however, not all cases have been linked with these types of infections. Other causes may include certain medications used for cancer treatments and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease; autoimmune diseases themselves can also trigger a cytokine storm in rare cases where there has been an overactive immune reaction against one’s own cells rather than foreign pathogens like bacteria or viruses.
The symptoms associated with a cytokine storm vary depending on its severity but can include fever, fatigue, difficulty breathing shortness of breath due to inflammation in the lungs, confusion disorientation due to swelling around the brain cerebral edema, rash hives due to skin inflammation dermatitis, changes in heart rate blood pressure due to vasculitis inflammation of blood vessels low white blood cell count due reduced production by bone marrow caused by excessive levels of certain types of antibodies called immunoglobulins which bind up white blood cells preventing them from circulating effectively throughout our bodies., abdominal pain caused by intestinal inflammation causing diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, etc.
The most important thing you can do if you suspect you may be experiencing a cytokine storm is contact your doctor immediately so they can assess your condition and provide suitable treatment options such as corticosteroids which will help reduce inflammation throughout your body thus alleviating symptoms associated with this severe complication. Early intervention will greatly increase your chances for recovery from this potentially deadly condition so don’t hesitate to seek medical advice at once!
