Histiocytosis is a name given to a group of syndromes in which there is an increase in the number of immune cells called histiocytes.
It can be classified into 3 major classes of histiocytoses:
Histiocytosis is considered to be more a cancer like condition. However, in a recent research it was shown that it is an autoimmune phenomenon in which immune cells attack the body by mistake instead of fighting the infections. The extra immune cells can take form of tumours which have affect on several parts of the body including bones, skull, etc.
Histiocytosis X affects the entire body hence, is called systemic disorder. The symptoms of the disorder vary according to the age of the patients. Symptoms in young children may include:
The disease can be treated with corticosteroids which suppress the immune function. If a patient is a smoker, it may worsen the condition.
Children suffering from the disorder may be given medication which may includes:
As the cause of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis is yet to be discovered there are no substantial ways to prevent it. However, as smoking worsens the condition of a patient and the disorder develops in lungs, it is always best to quit smoking. This will prevent the diseases from developing into a serious condition.