Immunodeficiency Disease
An immune deficiency is the absence or dysfunction of the immune system. When the cause of the dysfunction is hereditary or genetic (genetic factors passed to offspring), it is called a primary immunodeficiency disease (PIDD).
The main function of a normal immune system is to protect against infection. It is composed of white blood cells that help to defend against bacteria, viruses and fungi. Following an infection, antibodies or immunoglobulins are created to better fight infections in the future. It is these immunoglobulins that may be missing or not functioning.
Patients with PI are at an increased vulnerability to infection, which can sometimes be severe. While this can sometimes be evident in infancy, it can often be years before PIDD is suspected in older children and adults after a pattern of recurrent infection.
Patients with PI are at an increased vulnerability to infection, which can sometimes be severe. While this can sometimes be evident in infancy, it can often be years before PIDD is suspected in older children and adults after a pattern of recurrent infection.
Signs and symptoms consistent with potential PI include:
- Poor growth in infants/children or excessive weight loss
- Recurring infections in the skin (abscess), sinuses, ears, lungs, or urinary tract
- Infections that are difficult to treat or unresponsive to antibiotics
- Swollen lymph glands
- Enlarged spleen
The diagnosis of PIDD can be made through blood tests to measure levels of antibodies and with the assistance of vaccines, as often the body is not able to mount an immune response after vaccination.
If you or your child is having symptoms of these conditions, or recurring illness, contact Premier Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Care for expert diagnosis and a coordinated treatment plan.