What is Organ Rejection?

Organ Rejection

Do you know a transplanted organ can get rejected? Yes, you heard it right. Here is what you need to know about organ rejection. When you receive a new organ, your body might see it as a foreign object, kind of like an intruder. Your immune system, which normally fights off infections, might start attacking the new organ. This is what we call organ rejection. Organ rejection is a huge challenge in transplantation. It occurs when a recipient’s immune system recognizes the transplanted organ as foreign and starts attacking it. The reaction can damage the transplanted organ, making it useless. Remember, the rejection can happen within minutes to hours of transplantation, or it can happen after days to weeks and sometimes even after months of transplantation. The rejection is often very unpredictable and can occur even when the organ is transplanted after a rigorous process of matching between a donor and a receiver. That is where immunosuppressive medications came to light. These medications help prevent organ rejection by suppressing the immune system of the organ transplant recipient. Think of these medications as a peace treaty between your body and the new organ. By taking them exactly as prescribed, you can greatly reduce the risk of rejection. These medications have been very effective, but they do not guarantee a 100 percent prevention of rejection. Let’s bust this common myth. Organ rejection doesn’t mean your transplant has failed. Be aware of the signs of rejection, like fever, pain over the transplant site, or changes in organ function, and report them to your doctor right away. In many cases, it can be treated successfully if caught early. The key is to stay vigilant and in close contact with your transplant team.