Information From Your Health Care Provider

IMMUNODEFICIENCY DISEASE

Basic information

Immunodeficiency disease involves defects in the body's immune system. This means a person is more likely to develop infections. A healthy immune system protects the body against germs (bacteria, viruses, and fungi), cancer (partial protection), and any foreign material that enters the body.
- Primary immunodeficiency is inherited. Nearly 100 forms have been recognized. One form is common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). A rare form is severe combined immune deficiency (SCID).
- Secondary immunodeficiency is acquired. It occurs in persons who previously had a normal immune system. A form of this type (not discussed here) is the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Repeated, severe, and hard to cure infections, illnesses, and other health problems. Some are listed here.
Ear infections (otitis media), and sinus or other respiratory infections, such as pneumonia. Yeast infections, such as candidiasis and eczema (a skin disorder).
Cancer, especially leukemia and lymphoma.
Bleeding disorders.
Other immune disorders (anemia, arthritis).
Meningitis or encephalitis (brain infections).
Heart, digestive tract, or nervous system disorders.

Primary: being born with a faulty immune system. One or more or all of the essential parts of the immune system are missing due to a genetic defect.
Secondary: caused by diseases or other health problems that affect the immune system.

No preventive measures for primary type. If you have a family history, get genetic counseling before starting a family.
Prevention of secondary type may or may not be possible. It depends on the cause.

Advances in treatment have improved outlook for many of the patients. Lifelong treatments may be needed.

Your health care provider will do a physical exam. Medical tests may include blood studies of antibodies, microscopic exams of blood and tissue cells, skin tests, chest x-rays of the thymus gland, and radioactive studies of immune function.
Specific treatment will depend on the type of immune deficiency. General treatment involves preventing and treating infections. Your health care provider will discuss your individual treatment steps.
Surgery to transplant bone marrow or the thymus gland may be recommended.
Hospital care for treatment of serious infection may be required.
Avoid exposure to persons with infections. Don't get any type of vaccine without medical advice. Wear a medical alert bracelet or neck tag to identify your medical condition and any drugs you take.
To learn more: Immune Deficiency Foundation, 40 Chesapeake Ave., Suite 308, Towson, MD 21204; (800) 296-4433; website: www.primaryimmune.org.

Antibiotics for infection, transfusion of blood components, and gamma globulin injections may be prescribed.

Activity will depend on the type of deficiency. A risk of bleeding will limit activities in some cases.

Eat a healthy diet. During illness, modify diet if needed.

You or a family member has symptoms of immunodeficiency disease.
After diagnosis, you have any signs of infection or illness or injury, or unexplained symptoms occur.