DMV Allergy & Asthma Center – Allergist Washington DC, Frederick & Alexandria
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Immunodeficiency Treatment & Specialists in Alexandria, VA, Washington DC & Frederick, MD
4.9/5 from 2,000+ patient reviews
What is Immunodeficiency?
Immunodeficiency is a condition in which the immune system is unable to adequately protect the body against infections, viruses, and diseases. There are two main types:
- Primary Immunodeficiency: Present from birth, caused by genetic or hereditary defects affecting immune cell development or antibody production, examples include XLA (X-linked agammaglobulinemia) and Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID).
- Secondary Immunodeficiency: Acquired later in life as a result of illness, medical treatment, or other external factors that suppress or damage the immune system.
At DMV Allergy & Asthma Center, our immunologists specialize in evaluating and managing primary immunodeficiency disorders, working with patients to diagnose the condition, reduce infection risk, and build a long-term immune health plan.
Common Symptoms of Immunodeficiency
- Recurring sinus, ear, or respiratory infections (4 or more per year)
- Repeated pneumonia or bronchitis episodes
- Chronic skin infections or slow-healing wounds
- Digestive problems, ongoing diarrhea, cramping, or nausea
- Infections that don't respond to standard antibiotic treatment
- Blood infections or sepsis episodes
- A family history of immune system disorders
When Should You See an Immunodeficiency Specialist?
- 4 or more infections per year requiring antibiotics
- Infections that are unusually severe, prolonged, or treatment-resistant
- A family history of primary immunodeficiency
- Recurrent pneumonia, blood infections, or deep abscesses
- An existing autoimmune disorder alongside frequent infections Early diagnosis is critical. The sooner an immunodeficiency is identified, the sooner a protective treatment plan can be put in place.
Immunodeficiency Testing & Diagnosis
Medical History & Physical Examination
A detailed review of your infection history, frequency, severity, treatments used, family history of immune disorders, and current medications is the foundation of every immunodeficiency evaluation.
Blood Tests & Immune Cell Count
Comprehensive blood panels measuring white blood cell count, T cell and B cell counts, immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA, IgM), and other immune markers to assess the functional capacity of your immune system.
Antibody Testing
Specific antibody tests to evaluate how well your immune system produces and maintains protective antibodies in response to infections or vaccines are a key diagnostic tool for identifying antibody deficiency disorders.
Immunodeficiency Treatment Options
Antibiotic Therapy
For patients with primary immunodeficiency, carefully managed antibiotic regimens are used to treat active infections and, in some cases, prescribed on a preventive basis to reduce the risk of recurring bacterial infections.
Antibody Replacement Therapy
For patients with antibody deficiency disorders, regular antibody (immunoglobulin) replacement therapy helps restore protective antibody levels, significantly reducing the frequency and severity of infections.
Ongoing Immune Monitoring & Management
Regular follow-up at our Alexandria, VA, K Street, DC, Foxhall, DC, and Frederick, MD clinics to monitor immune markers, track infection frequency, and adjust the treatment plan as your condition changes over time.
Asthma Testing & Diagnosis
Diagnosing asthma accurately means looking at two things: how your lungs are actually functioning, and what is triggering the inflammation driving your symptoms. Our board-certified asthma specialists use a targeted combination of lung function testing and allergy diagnostics to get the full picture, so your treatment plan attacks the problem from every angle.
Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT / Spirometry)
The gold-standard test for asthma diagnosis. Measures how much air you can inhale and exhale, and how fast, giving us a precise picture of your lung function and confirming whether airflow obstruction is present. Performed in-office at all our locations.
Skin Prick Testing
For allergic asthma, identifying the exact allergens driving your airway inflammation is critical. Skin prick testing delivers clear, actionable results in approximately 20 minutes, covering pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, and more.
Blood Testing & Allergen Panel
Measures allergen-specific IgE levels in the blood to detect immune-driven asthma triggers, particularly useful when skin testing is not suitable or when a deeper immune system profile is needed.
Skin Prick Testing
Quick, accurate results in about 20 minutes
Asthma Treatment Options
We treat all four major types of asthma, allergic, exercise-induced, cough-variant, and occupational, with evidence-based therapies tailored to each patient.
Rescue & Controller Medications
Short-acting bronchodilators for immediate relief and long-term controller medications, including inhaled corticosteroids and combination inhalers, are prescribed and monitored by our asthma specialists.
Allergy Immunotherapy
When allergic triggers drive your asthma, allergy shots gradually reduce your immune system's sensitivity, decreasing both allergy and asthma symptoms over time.
Biologic Therapy
For moderate-to-severe allergic asthma that doesn't respond to standard medications, biologic treatments target specific immune pathways, significantly reducing asthma attacks and improving lung function.
Asthma Action Plans & Education
Every patient leaves with a written personalized asthma action plan and practical education on inhaler technique, trigger avoidance, and what to do during a flare-up or emergency.
Why Choose DMV Allergy & Asthma Center?
Board-certified immunologists experienced in primary immunodeficiency evaluation and management
Comprehensive in-office immune testing including blood panels and antibody evaluation
Personalized long-term treatment plans for adults and children
Patient Satisfaction
98%
of patients recommend us
Real Results from Real Patients
Don’t just take our word for it. Hear from patients who found lasting relief from their allergy symptoms.
So far, so great! I’ve been a patient of Dr. Nataraj’s for about a month, and I’ve already experienced improvement with my issues. Thank you to him and the amazing staff…nurses, front desk, immunotherapy group, etc. I look forward to my continued treatment and healing!
Le docteur Fishman m'a vraiment beaucoup aidé avec mon asthme. Quand je l'ai consulté pour la première fois, je gérais très mal mon asthme. Maintenant, je respire normalement. Je recommande vivement le docteur Fishman.
Dr. Fishman is an outstanding allergist and immunologist. He is knowledgeable, thorough, and takes the time to listen carefully to his patients. I appreciated how clearly he explained my condition and treatment options, and how proactive he was in pursuing further testing when needed. I felt genuinely cared for and confident in his expertise. I highly recommend Dr. Fishman to anyone looking for excellent medical care.
Excellents soins et grande attention portée aux patients. Médecins et personnel exceptionnels et attentionnés.
Protect Your Immune Health - Start Today
Same-day appointments available • Most insurance accepted