Organ Rejection

Organ rejection occurs when a transplant recipient’s immune system recognizes the new organ as foreign and attacks it. This reaction is similar to how the body fights off infections. There are two main types of rejection: acute, which can happen days to months after the transplant, and chronic, which can develop over years. To prevent rejection, patients must take immunosuppressive medications that reduce their immune response, allowing the body to accept the new organ. However, these medications increase the risk of infections and other complications, making careful monitoring and ongoing medical care essential after a transplant.