Immunodeficiency Disease
Navigating the Fragile Immune System
If you’re living with an immunodeficiency disorder, trust the immunology specialists at DMV Allergy & Asthma Center to provide you with the ongoing care you need.
There are more than 100 immunodeficiency disorders known to medical professionals today, all of which can seriously impact your life and require ongoing treatment. A compromised immune system is nothing to take lightly. The immunology specialists at DMV Allergy & Asthma Center have the experience and expertise required not only to diagnose your immunodeficiency disorder, but to help you develop a treatment plan that will significantly improve your quality and length of life.
If you’re ready to begin your treatment plan, schedule an appointment with us today.
FAQ on Immunodeficiency
- What is an immunodeficiency disease?
Immunodeficiency disorders are illnesses that compromise your immune system, preventing your body from fighting infections and diseases normally. Because of this, people with immunodeficiency disorders are more likely to suffer from viruses and bacterial infections.
- What are the causes of immunodeficiency diseases?
Immunodeficiency disorders can be congenital (present from birth, primary) or acquired (secondary). Different types of immunodeficiency disorders have different causes. Here are a few of the most common types we see at Allergy and Asthma Center:
- XLA: A hereditary disease causing patients to lack the ability to produce protective antibodies.
- Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID): A group of disorders that affect the development of infection-fighting immune cells and make children highly susceptible to severe infections.
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS): An advanced, chronic form of the HIV virus that damages the immune system and can be acquired sexually or by contact with blood.
- Viral Hepatitis: An acquired disease that compromises your liver’s ability to resist infection.
- Multiple Myeloma: A cancer that forms in your plasma cells and crowds out healthy blood cells, making it difficult for your body to fight infections.
- What are the symptoms of an immunodeficiency disorder?
The most common sign of a compromised immune system is frequent and recurrent sinus infections, ear infections, skin infections, and cases of pneumonia. However, the following symptoms are also common:
- Blood infections
- Digestive problems (cramping, diarrhea, nausea)
- Existing autoimmune disorders
If you fear your immune system may be compromised, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with one of our immunology specialists at DMV Allergy & Asthma Center. The sooner we diagnose your condition, the sooner we can begin a treatment plan!
- How can you treat an immunodeficiency disorder?
Every treatment must begin with a diagnosis. Immunodeficiency disorders can be diagnosed with the following:
- Physical examination
- A detailed look at your medical history
- Blood tests (T cell count or white blood cell count)
- Antibody test
If you test positive for an immunodeficiency disorder, your immunology specialist will work with you to move forward with a treatment plan. This plan usually includes antibiotics and a regular schedule of antibody replacement therapies.
