What is an Antigen?

An antigen is a substance that causes the body’s immune system to react. These substances are divided into two types: foreign antigens and autoantigens.

Foreign antigens include a wide range of substances derived from the outside environment. Pathogens, which are bacteria, viruses, or other microbes that cause disease, maybe the source of them. Foreign antigens may also include insect or snake venom, pollen, chemicals, or particular proteins present in certain meals. When these chemicals enter the body, the immune system recognizes them as “not-self” and initiates a defensive reaction to battle and eradicate them.

Also Read > Difference Between Signs and Symptoms

The body, on the other hand, produces autoantigens. Normally, the immune system recognizes these self-antigens as components of the body and does not generate an immunological reaction against them. However, in people with autoimmune illnesses, the immune system fails to distinguish between self-antigens and foreign antigens. As a result, the immune system erroneously attacks its tissues and cells, resulting in negative repercussions. In autoimmune disorders, the body produces autoantibodies, which are antibodies that target and attack self-antigens. This erroneous immune response harms many cells and tissues throughout the body. The amount of damage varies based on the autoimmune illness and the organs or systems affected.

What is an Antibody?

B cells, a type of white blood cell, play an important role in producing antibodies when the body comes into contact with an antigen, such as a virus or foreign substance. Each B cell has a different surface receptor that recognizes and binds to certain antigens. When a B cell is exposed to an antigen that binds to its receptors, it becomes activated and begins to multiply.

As the B cell grows, it undergoes a process called differentiation, in which it develops into plasma cells. Plasma cells are factories that produce a large number of specialized proteins with the intent to recognize and bind to antigens that the B cell encounters. These proteins are known as antibodies.

Antigen Vs Antibody

An immune response occurs when an antigen binds to an antibody or T-cell receptor. A different term for antigen is immunogen. Immunoglobulin (Ig) is another name for an antibody. An antibody is made up of two heavy protein chains and two light protein chains. This makes the whole molecule look like Y. The plasma cells in the blood make antibodies, which are very specific to a certain antigen.

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What Are Signs? Objective Evidence of a Disease or Condition

Signs are objective evidence of a medical issue that can be detected by a doctor during an exam. Things like a skin rash, swelling, or abnormal vital signs.

Also Read > Difference Between Illness and Disease

When you go to the doctor because you don’t feel well, you’ll describe your symptoms. The doc will then examine you for any signs of what might be causing those symptoms. For example, if you complain of chest pain (a symptom), the doctor will check your blood pressure and heart rate (signs) to determine if it’s due to a heart problem or something else.

Some common signs a doctor may check for include:

• High blood pressure or irregular heartbeat
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Abnormal reflexes
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
• Swelling in the legs or abdomen

While symptoms can be a clue as to what’s going on, signs are often needed to confirm a diagnosis since symptoms alone can sometimes be misleading. Many serious conditions don’t cause any symptoms at first, so routine medical checkups where doctors check for signs are important for catching problems early.

The key thing to remember is that signs are detectable, objective evidence, usually found during a physical exam or medical test.

What Are the Symptoms? Subjective Evidence Reported by Patients

Symptoms are what you actually experience when you’re not feeling well. They’re subjective, meaning only you can report on them accurately. Some common symptoms include:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. Anything that seems off with your digestive system.
• Fatigue and lack of energy. Feeling excessively tired even after rest.
• Pain or aches anywhere in your body. Headaches, cramps, joint pain, etc.
• Difficulty sleeping or changes in sleep. Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, sleeping too much or too little.
• Changes in mood or mental state. Feeling depressed, anxious, irritable or just not yourself.

The key thing about symptoms is that they’re specific to you and can vary from person to person. Two people with the same condition may experience completely different symptoms. Your symptoms are your body’s way of signaling to you that something isn’t right, so you should never ignore them.

While symptoms provide clues, a doctor is needed to determine the underlying cause. Your physician will evaluate your symptoms along with medical tests like blood work, imaging scans or biopsies to make an accurate diagnosis. They can then recommend an appropriate treatment plan to help you start feeling like yourself again.

The bottom line is, you know your body best. See your doctor right away if you notice any unusual or persistent symptoms so you can get the care you need. Your health and well-being should always come first.

Signs Vs Symptoms

Understanding the distinction between signs and symptoms will help you better communicate with your doctor so they can make an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs. Be prepared to report any symptoms you have been experiencing, even if there are no clearly observable signs, to get the full clinical picture.

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What is MRI?

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of your body. MRI scans are often used to examine the brain, spine, heart and other soft tissues.

MRI machines are large tubes that contain powerful magnets. You lie on a table that slides into the lighting tube. The magnets in the machine generate a magnetic field that aligns the protons in your body’s hydrogen atoms, and then radiofrequency waves are directed at those atoms to produce signals that are detected by the scanner. A computer processes the signals to create clear, detailed cross-sectional images (slices) of the internal structure of your body.

Also Read > Difference Between Illness and Disease

Some people feel claustrophobic in the MRI machine. Mild sedation can be provided to help you relax. You can also bring music to listen to during the scan. Metal objects like jewelry, watches or credit cards must be removed before entering the MRI room since they can be affected by the magnetic field. An MRI is usually not recommended for people with metal implants like pacemakers.

What is CT Scan?

A CT scan, or computed tomography scan, uses X-rays to create detailed images of your organs, bones, and other tissues.

How does it work? CT scanners shoot X-ray beams through your body at different angles, detecting the amount of radiation absorbed or transmitted by your tissues. A computer then combines these X-ray images into cross-sectional views of the scanned area. CT scans provide much greater detail than regular X-rays.

When do you need a CT scan? CT scans can detect tumors, blood clots, infections, or internal injuries. They’re often used to examine the lungs, abdomen, pelvis, or brain. CT scans are commonly used to diagnose conditions like cancer, heart disease, infections, or injuries after an accident.

The CT scanning process is painless but does require you to lie still on a table while the X-ray tube rotates around your body. You may receive an injection of contrast dye to help enhance the images. The scan usually takes just a few minutes, though the prep and recovery time add to the total appointment length.

CT scans are a very useful diagnostic tool, but they do expose you to radiation. The amount of radiation depends on the type of CT scan, but the risk is higher for frequent tests. Your doctor will consider your medical history and only order CT scans when medically necessary and at the lowest radiation dose needed to get clear results.

So if your doctor orders a CT scan, don’t worry – it’s a common and painless procedure that provides valuable information to determine the best treatment plan for your health.

MRI Vs CT Scans

In summary, while CT and MRI scans are two of the most useful diagnostic tools, there are some distinct differences to keep in mind regarding how they work, what they can detect, image detail, patient experience, and overall cost. The difference between MRI and CT Scan is that an MRI scan uses magnetic fields and radio waves whereas A CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed images. The type of scan your doctor orders will depend on your symptoms and medical needs.

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