Have you ever thought you have too many infections? Do other people get you sick and get well right away whereas you are debilitated for weeks or months?
If either of these is the case, you may have an Immunodeficiency, a condition in which your Immune System, the part of your body that fights infections and wards of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, cannot function properly. While there are many causes, there are two major types, Primary Immunodeficiency, which you are born with, or Secondary Immunodeficiency, which is from an assault to your immune system.
How do you know to suspect an immunodeficiency? Could I just be run down?
Immunodeficiency is diagnosed by lab work under the direction of a Board-certified Allergist-Immunologist, but the first clue is the frequency and severity of illnesses that are unusual and refractory to standard treatment. The criteria are slightly different for children (see chart) and adults (see chart):
What is the difference between primary and secondary immunodeficiency?
Primary immunodeficiency is caused by a genetic abnormality, which can be inherited but often is caused by an original mutation. A secondary immunodeficiency is caused by something else. An example of something that destroys the immune system are drugs, used to treat other conditions (see below) or certain viruses (see table). Medical conditions themselves (See table) can disrupt the immune system process.
Can anything be done?
Yes! If you have an immunodeficiency, staying healthy can be hard. In many cases, products used to support and supplement the immune system can help protect the patient. This depends on the exact issue, which is the reason we perform many labs, to characterize the issue and determine the approach. There are also many more medications coming to market than ever before.
Jeffrey Modell Foundation. Primary immunodeficiency resource centre. http://www.info4pi.org/library/educational-materials/10-warning-signs Accessed 7 Mar 2017.
If you think you may have a problem with your immune system, call 480-500-1902 or request an appointment at https://relieveallergyaz.com/contact now! Begin your healing journey with Dr. Wendt at Relieve Allergy in Scottsdale, Arizona—It’s time to take care of yourself!
Learn more about Dr. Wendt and Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives at www.relieveallergyaz.com or connect with us: https://www.facebook.com/RelieveAllergy/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-wendt/, https://x.com/RelieveAllergy, https://www.instagram.com/relieve_allergy/ or https://www.youtube.com/@JulieWendt-qx7jm. Did you know? Dr. Wendt wrote the book on allergies. Buy it at: https://geni.us/WhatsEatingOurKids
Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives is located near Kierland Commons, 21803 N. Scottsdale Road Ste. 200, and has convenient evening and morning hours to accommodate your schedule. Dr. Wendt is also available for telemedicine appointments as appropriate. Most insurance plans are accepted.
DISCLAIMER: This blog is not meant to substitute for medical care by an Allergist-Immunologist nor is it intended to provide medical advice or imply a Physician-Patient relationship with its readers or their family. It is intended to provide guidance, direction, and moral support from someone experienced in testing and treating allergies. This is also not meant to be a “do-it-yourself” manual or a “how to” overcome your allergies. Some of the issues mentioned, whether allergic or look-a-like, can be dangerous or if left unchecked, deadly. Please develop a relationship with a Physician you trust to help you with diagnosis, advice, questions, and treatment regarding your and your family’s medical conditions.
Share this post. Choose your platform:
Search Blog & Pages
Recent Posts
