Immunodeficiency
Immunodeficiency
If you are suffering from chronic fatigue, increased susceptibility to infections, autoimmunity, and/or autoinflammatory diseases, you could have immunodeficiency. Allergy & Immunology Center Inc. provides comprehensive immunology services for both children and adults.
The common symptoms associated with immunodeficiency include:
- Frequent or severe infections (sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia)
- Chronic fatigue
- Symptoms involving multiple organ systems
- Autoimmune disorders or autoinflammation
- Poor response to vaccinations or antibiotics
- Slow recovery after illnesses
- Increased risk of certain cancers
The symptoms you experience because of immunodeficiency depend on how weak your immune system is and the cause of your immunodeficiency disorder. Some disorders that affect your immune system cause mild illnesses, while others are severe and can even be fatal.
Your Immunodeficiency Questions, Answered
What is immunodeficiency?
Immunodeficiency disorders develop when genetic predisposition, medications, illnesses, or diseases weaken your immune system. If you have immunodeficiency, you may experience chronic fatigue, or simply feel unwell all the time. You may experience frequent and/or severe upper or lower respiratory infections.
What are the risk factors for immunodeficiency?
The common risk factors associated with immunodeficiency include:
- Primary immunodeficiency disorders (inborn errors of immunity) with genetic predisposition
- Malnutrition
- Medications
- Autoimmunity
- Systemic disorders
- Spleen removal surgery
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Advanced age (60+)
How does my doctor diagnose immunodeficiency?
Our cutting edge approach to diagnosing defects of the immune system goes beyond traditional measures. When it comes to the immune system, we utilize more than just a blood work and skin test. At Allergy & Immunology Center a patient-centered approach is undertaken especially when it comes to diseases involving the immune system. We take your story very seriously. We utilize the most advanced genetic testing to diagnose over 480 genetic defects linked to immune dysregulation. Our evidence based approach in caring for those who suffer vague symptoms is what makes us unique.
How is immunodeficiency treated?
Our comprehensive treatment approach includes measures to prevent infections (sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia), improved fatigue, and help autoimmune symptoms associated with immune deficiency, which may affect several organ systems. Several therapeutic options for both immunodeficiency and autoinflammatory conditions are dependent upon understanding the molecular diagnosis. This is why we utilize genetic testing to accurately identify these conditions. Genetic testing has the highest diagnostic yield in patients who have an unusual clinical presentation. The test is performed on the affected patient before pursuing testing on family members.
Call the Allergy & Immunology Center or request an appointment online today to learn if you have immunodeficiency or be treated for its associated medical problems.
An exceptional allergy, asthma, and immunology practice in Encino, California, led by experienced allergist Dr. Ryan Shilian.