Macrophage activation syndrome

Macrophage activation syndrome is when the immune system, which is like an army that protects your body, gets too excited and starts attacking the body's own cells instead of just bad invaders like germs and viruses. This can happen when there is a big inflammation, like when you get a really bad flu. The immune system cells called macrophages, which are like soldiers that fight invaders in your body, start acting like a very excited army and multiplying too much, which can cause harm to your body.

This can make you feel very sick, like you have a very high fever, and your skin can turn red or get rashes. Your liver and spleen, which help clean your body, can also become swollen and stop working properly. You might feel very tired and have trouble breathing, as your lungs can become inflamed too. All of these things can happen because your immune system is stuck in overdrive and causing too much damage.

Doctors can help by giving medicines to calm down the immune system and slow down the macrophages. They can also give medicines to help relieve your symptoms, like fever, pain, and difficulty breathing. It is important to stay in a hospital and be watched closely by doctors so they can give you the best treatment. With proper care, people with macrophage activation syndrome can recover and feel better.