Understanding Immune Deficiency
An immune deficiency, also known as immunodeficiency, is a condition where the immune system’s ability to fight diseases is compromised or entirely absent. This can result from a variety of causes and can affect different parts of the immune system. Immunodeficiencies are broadly classified into two categories: primary (or congenital) and secondary (or acquired). Primary immunodeficiencies are usually genetic and present at birth. They result from defects in the genes that control the immune system. Secondary immunodeficiencies occur as a result of external factors that affect the immune system. These can be caused by infections, medications, chronic illnesses, malnutrition and environmental factors.
What are the symptoms of an immune deficiency?
People with an immunodeficiency are more susceptible to infections, which may be more frequent, severe and harder to treat than in individuals with a normal immune system. Common symptoms include:
- Frequent and recurrent infections (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections)
- Poor response to standard treatments for infections
- Delayed growth and development in children
- Autoimmune disorders
- Increased risk of certain cancers
How are immune deficiencies treated?
Immunologists treat immunodeficiencies through a variety of strategies, depending on the specific type and severity of the immunodeficiency. Each patient’s treatment plan is tailored to their specific condition, underlying cause of the immunodeficiency and individual health needs. One of the most common treatments used to manage immune deficiencies is immunotherapy. The goal of immunotherapy is to improve the patient’s quality of life by reducing the frequency and severity of infections and other complications associated with immunodeficiency. Immunotherapy treatment can include but is not limited to antibody infusions, gene therapy, vaccinations and antibiotics.
