Understanding Immunodeficiency: When Your Immune System Needs Extra Support

Studies suggest that more than 6% of the United States population has immunodeficiency, meaning their immune systems aren’t as strong as designed. This condition increases the risk of infections, illnesses, and diseases. 

Recognizing and addressing immunodeficiency are the first steps toward symptom relief. Srinagesh Paluvoi, MD, FAAP, FACAAI, and the team at Allergy & Asthma Affiliates in Lansdowne and Gainesville, Virginia, offer immunodeficiency screening to identify underlying issues and create a personalized plan to strengthen your immune health.

To help you further understand immunodeficiency, let’s take a closer look at what immunodeficiency really means, why it happens, and how you can support your body when your immune defense needs an extra boost — because feeling safe in your own skin is important.

Immunodeficiency basics

Immunodeficiency is a condition in which your immune system is weakened, increasing the risk of getting sick. When working effectively, your immune system fights off illnesses or shortens the recovery time after you get sick. People with immunodeficiency are born with their condition or develop it because of the environment, lifestyle habits, age, or other factors.

Risks factors for immunodeficiency

The following can increase your risk of immunodeficiency:

• Age (babies, young children, and older adults are more at risk)
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Family history of immunodeficiency
• Genetic disorders
• Pollution 
• Poor nutrition
• Poor sleep
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption 
• Other unhealthy lifestyle habits

The cause isn’t always clear, but some symptoms of immunodeficiency mimic those of asthma, eczema, or allergies. 

Symptoms of immunodeficiency

The following symptoms might indicate you or a loved one has immunodeficiency:

• Frequent or severe infections (ear, sinus, skin, and lung infections)
• Delayed growth or development in children
• Reduced appetite
• Nausea, diarrhea, cramping, and other digestive problems
• Long recovery times after getting sick
• Recurrent pneumonia
• Unplanned weight loss
• Enlarged lymph nodes

You may experience symptoms similar to allergies and asthma, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, a rash, coughing, or nasal congestion. 

Diagnosing immunodeficiency

Dr. Paluvoi offers diagnostic testing for allergies, asthma, eczema, and immunodeficiency to determine if you have any of these conditions. He provides skin-prick testing, breathing tests, blood testing, and other diagnostic tests that screen for underlying problems requiring medical intervention. 

Immunodeficiency treatments

Your personalized immunodeficiency treatment plan depends on your diagnosis. It may include taking medications or making lifestyle modifications. 

For example, it’s helpful to get 7-9 hours of sleep (children may need more), minimize stress, exercise regularly, take dietary supplements if recommended by a doctor, and eat nutritious foods. Avoid smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.

• You might be a candidate for preventive antibiotics, intravenous immunoglobulin replacement, or a bone marrow transplant to treat immunodeficiency. 
• If you have asthma, you can use an inhaler to improve your breathing — especially during exercise. 
• Eczema treatment may involve using oral or topical medications. 
• Allergy treatments often consist of allergy avoidance, oral medications, nasal sprays or rinses, allergy shots, and an EpiPen® in case of a severe allergic reaction.

Dr. Paluvoi tailors treatment plans to your individualized needs. Contact us today at Allergy & Asthma Affiliates by calling our office or booking an appointment online to undergo allergy, asthma, eczema, or immunodeficiency screening and treatment.