Which Treatment Option for a Chemical Allergy Is Best?
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Frequent Infections May Be Trying to Signal You Have Immunodeficiency
Recurring illnesses may point to immunodeficiency, a condition where the immune system doesn’t function as well as it’s designed to. This condition affects more than 6% of adults in the United States. Immunodeficiency makes it harder for your body to fight off bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
If you suspect you have immunodeficiency because of frequent infections, visit with Srinagesh Paluvoi, MD, FAAP, FACAAI, and our team at Allergy & Asthma Affiliates in Lansdowne or Gainesville, Virginia, for diagnostic testing and a breakdown of your treatment options. Here’s what you need to know.
Immunodeficiency basics
Immunodeficiency is a condition affecting your body’s immune system, or how well you’re able to combat infections and illnesses. You might get sick more often than most other people if your immune system lacks the tools needed to fight off germs well. Left untreated, immunodeficiency can also boost your risk of complications.
Signs of immunodeficiency
The following signs may indicate you have immunodeficiency:
Frequent illnesses
If you’re constantly getting sick, much more often than your peers, immunodeficiency may be the culprit. You might also experience more severe symptoms, symptoms that last a long time, or complications linked to your illness.
Constant infections
Frequent infections may indicate your immune system is compromised. Examples of such infections include:
- Sinus infections
- Ear infections
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Strep throat
- Pneumonia
- Yeast infections
- Bronchitis
- Skin infections
- Eye infections
- Other infections
An infection might linger a long time or go away and come back, even after you begin a treatment. You might need to take antibiotics longer or more aggressively than your peers because of immunodeficiency.
Other possible signs
In addition to frequent illnesses and infections, other signs of immunodeficiency might consist of:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Enlarged spleen
- Frequent diarrhea or other digestive problems
- Unexplained weight loss
- More severe side effects after getting vaccinated
- Delayed development and growth in children
- Certain cancers (Kaposi sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, etc.)
- Autoimmune disorders
Examples of autoimmune diseases include Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.
Do I have immunodeficiency or allergies?
A weaker immune system can make it difficult to distinguish between allergies and immunodeficiency.
Allergy testing at Allergy & Asthma Affiliates can test for chemical allergies, seasonal allergies, food allergies, and more. Dr. Paluvoi might also screen you for asthma and order blood tests to detect immune system irregularities.
If you’re immunodeficient, he might recommend you undergo intravenous immunoglobulin replacement, preventive antibiotics, or a bone marrow transplant to target the root cause of bothersome symptoms and strengthen your immune system.
Get screened or treated for immunodeficiency with Dr. Paluvoi at Allergy & Asthma Affiliates by contacting our office by phone or requesting an appointment online today.
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