What causes an immune deficiency?
If you have an immune deficiency, that means you have a weakened immune system. An immune deficiency can stem from:
- B-cell or T-cell antibody deficiencies
- Defective phagocytes (certain white blood cells)
- A family history of immune deficiency
It isn’t always known why some men and women develop immune deficiency disorders. This is known as an idiopathic immune deficiency.
What are the symptoms of an immune deficiency?
If you have an immune deficiency, you may get sick frequently with sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, meningitis, or skin infections, to name a few. An immune deficiency can even lead to chronic joint pain from rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Since an immune deficiency can also make you more susceptible to having a realm of allergies, you might notice recurring issues with:
- Red, itchy, or runny eyes
- Gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea
- A runny nose or congestion
- Hives or skin rashes
- Wheezing or chest tightness
These symptoms can occur because you can easily develop hay fever, allergic asthma, food allergies, or drug allergies — among other issues — when you have an immune deficiency.
How is an immune deficiency treated?
The first step is going through a thorough diagnostic and medical evaluation at The Allergy Clinic. Your dedicated allergist is likely going to order specific blood tests to determine if you’re deficient in certain proteins that fight infections.
These advanced blood analyses can even evaluate whether or not your immune system is responding correctly to foreign invaders. Once the team better understands what’s triggering your immune deficiency, they can customize a treatment plan, which can include:
- Immunoglobulin therapy to build antibody proteins
- Preventative antibiotics
Your allergist will work diligently to improve your immune system function and treat uncomfortable side effects.
To get help with your immune deficiency, book an appointment online with The Allergy Clinic, or call one of their convenient locations.
