Immunodeficiency Specialist

What is immunodeficiency?

Immunodeficiency refers to medical conditions in which your immune system response is lacking or absent. Your immune system is designed to protect you from harmful substances referred to as antigens, which may include viruses, bacteria, or cancer, by creating antibodies to destroy these substances.

Immunodeficiency occurs when your immune system isn’t able to produce enough antibodies to fight off the harmful substances, leaving you more vulnerable to illness. There are many different types of immunodeficiencies, including:

• DiGeorge syndrome
• Hypogammaglobulinemia
• Job syndrome (autosomal dominant hyper-IgE syndrome or AD-HIES)
• Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T)
• Complement deficiencies
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Your immune system can also become suppressed during chemotherapy treatment for cancer.

What are the symptoms of immunodeficiency?

Your immunodeficiency symptoms may depend on the disorder causing the suppression. Common symptoms may include:

• Inability to recover from an infection
• Poor response to infection treatment
• Development of certain types of cancers or infections
• Inability to recover from an illness

If you’re experiencing these symptoms and don’t have an explanation as to the underlying cause, contact Rheumatology and Allergy Institute of Connecticut for an evaluation.

How is immunodeficiency diagnosed?

Your specialist at Rheumatology and Allergy Institute of Connecticut conducts a comprehensive examination to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Your evaluation may include a review of your symptoms and medical history and a physical exam.

To assess immune health, your specialist might recommend blood tests to check red and white blood cell counts. They may also recommend an HIV test.

How is immunodeficiency treated?

The goal of treatment for your immunodeficiency is to prevent you from developing any serious infections. Your specialist at Rheumatology and Allergy Institute of Connecticut creates a personalized treatment plan based on the underlying cause of your immunodeficiency and your specific needs. Treatment may include:

• Limiting your contact with people who are sick
• Interferon (IFN), which is medication that helps improve immune system function
• Bone marrow transplant

Your specialist closely monitors your response to treatment and makes adjustments as needed. If you do develop an infection, your specialist may provide aggressive therapy to help support your body’s fight against it.

Immunodeficiency isn’t common, but can significantly alter your life. For an evaluation and treatment plan, call Rheumatology and Allergy Institute of Connecticut or schedule an appointment online today.