Symptom 7: Immune System Dysfunction
The immune system is our body’s defense force, always at the ready, guarding us against invasions of harmful pathogens. But in the realm of WAS, this line of defense is compromised, leaving the child exposed to a host of illnesses and infections.
Imagine a fortress with walls designed to keep out invaders. Now, visualize those walls with weak points and gaps. This is somewhat representative of the immune systems of WAS children. They’re not entirely defenseless, but their ability to stave off infectious agents is significantly diminished.
This vulnerability is attributed to the faulty white blood cells, primarily responsible for combatting infections. In most cases, these cells recognize, attack, and remember foreign invaders, ensuring quick responses in future encounters. But in WAS children, these cells malfunction, often failing to give a robust response or, at times, attacking the body’s own cells.
The fallout of this compromised immunity is multifaceted. Children are more susceptible to infections—be it bacterial, viral, or fungal. What might be a mild illness in another child can escalate rapidly in severity in a WAS child. This means more medications, more doctor visits, and a heightened risk of complications. (6)
