An allergy is an overactive immune response which is triggered when the body is exposed to some stimulus. This causes inflammation at the site of exposure or in other parts of the body and causes a range of symptoms, some of which can be life threatening. In most cases however, an allergy is not deadly but can cause severe discomfort for a short period or over a long duration of time.
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The brain and spinal cord are surrounded by layered membranes, known as meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid. In certain instances, this lining becomes inflamed and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is also affected. This condition is known as meningitis and may increase pressure on the brain and spinal cord, causing a range of generalized and localized symptoms. Meningitis is a serious condition and is potentially fatal.
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An autoimmune disease is a disorder with the immune system whereby the immune cells attack the body’s own tissues. Unlike an immune deficiency, like HIV/AIDS, an autoimmune disease is due to an overactive and strong immune systems that is malfunctioning and incorrectly identifying the body’s cells as a foreign invader. An autoimmune disease may target specific cells, tissues or organs or the entire body.
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HIV/AIDS is an immune deficiency arising from HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. When infected, HIV starts destroying immune cells until the body’s immune capability is so severely depleted that it can no longer protect the body. This stage is known as AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Other infections known as opportunistic infections are able to attack the host and cause death. These potentially deadly opportunistic infections can be as mild as the seasonal flu (influenza) or more severe infections like TB (tuberculosis) or meningitis.