Med. praxi. 2025;22(5):319-323 | DOI: 10.36290/med.2025.051

Immune system - can it be boosted/influenced?

prof. MUDr. Jiřina Bartůňková, DrSc.
Ústav imunologie 2. LF UK a FN Motol, Praha

The immune system provides a balance between a defensive response to pathogens and tolerance to harmless stimuli. Disturbances in this balance lead to immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, allergies, or cancer. Recurrent respiratory infections are a frequent problem in clinical practice, especially among general practitioners. Their cause tends to be multifactorial - from anatomical anomalies to allergies, mucosal immunity disorders, and lifestyle errors. Mucosal immunity plays a key role in airway defense and its weakening leads to increased morbidity. The microbiota also plays an important role, the balance of which is often disturbed by inappropriate antibiotic treatment. Prevention and treatment of recurrent infections require a comprehensive approach: modification of the regimen, nutrition, strengthening of physical activity, minimization of exposure to harmful factors, and targeted investigation of associated diseases. Pharmacological intervention, including immunomodulators or probiotics, is complementary and has limited evidence support. Individualized and rational care based on a thorough history and reassessment of treatment habits is key.

Keywords: mucosal immunity, recurrent respiratory infection, prevention, immunity modulation.

Received: May 15, 2025; Revised: June 11, 2025; Accepted: June 17, 2025; Published: December 1, 2025  Show citation

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Bartůňková J. Immune system - can it be boosted/influenced? Med. praxi. 2025;22(5):319-323. doi: 10.36290/med.2025.051.
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