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If you’re often sick or have an infection that never seems to go away, it could be caused by an underlying immunodeficiency disorder. Our fellowship-trained experts at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates understand how an immunodeficiency disorder can affect your health. We provide comprehensive diagnostic testing and customized treatment services to boost your immune system function and protect your health in the long term. Call the nearest office in Carrollwood, South Tampa, or Brandon, Florida, to schedule an immunodeficiency consultation, or book an appointment online today.
Immunodeficiency Q&A
What is immunodeficiency?
Immunodeficiency is a disorder that affects your immune system. A healthy immune system works by detecting harmful substances (antigens) and producing proteins (antibodies) to defend against the antigens. The process triggers specific white blood cells to destroy bacteria and other substances to protect your health.
When you have an immunodeficiency disorder, this process doesn’t work that way, leaving you susceptible to acute and chronic illnesses from viruses, bacteria, and other substances.
You can be born with an immunodeficiency disorder (primary immunodeficiency) or develop the disorder (secondary immunodeficiency) if your immune system is weakened by using medications, treatments like chemotherapy, or other illnesses.
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates offers comprehensive care for primary and secondary immunodeficiency disorders in adults and children.
What are the symptoms of immunodeficiency?
A common symptom of an underlying immunodeficiency disorder is repeated infections that last longer or become harder to treat. These infections include:
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Ear infections
- Skin infections
- Sinus infections
You might also experience digestive problems, persistent inflammation in your organs, or develop autoimmune disorders like Type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates offers in-office blood tests to check the levels of immunoglobulins, proteins in your blood that fight infection. Specific cell counts indicate that your immune system might not be functioning correctly.
How is immunodeficiency treated?
The Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates team are experts in managing immunodeficiency disorders and their symptoms.
As part of your treatment plan, the providers address any existing infections. For instance, if you have bacterial infections in your respiratory system or skin, the team will prescribe antibiotics to clear them. You might also need to take long-term medication to prevent infections.
The fellowship-trained experts also have extensive experience in immunoglobulin replacement therapy. This treatment involves intravenous or subcutaneous (under the skin) infusions of antibody proteins. The supplemental proteins help your body fight infection better.
If immunoglobulin therapy is needed, you can expect to receive the infusions weekly to every few weeks to support your immune system health. These infusions are usually administered at home. During your initial consultation, the team will discuss how often you need treatments based on the nature of your condition and the severity of your symptoms.
Call the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates office near you today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of an immunodeficiency disorder or book an appointment online.