Immunodeficiency
What are immune disorders?
Immune disorders, also called immunodeficiency disorders, occur when the body's immune system does not function properly, leaving a person less able to fight off infections and illnesses.
Primary Immunodeficiency (PI) disorders are conditions where a vital component of the immune system is entirely missing or fails to work correctly. These disorders can make both children and adults significantly more susceptible to:
• Frequent or recurrent infections (such as ear or skin infections)
• Chronic sinus problems and stubborn congestion
• Deep lung infections, bronchitis, or pneumonia
• Other long-term health complications
Some primary immune disorders are hereditary and present at birth, while others are milder and may not be formally recognized or diagnosed until much later in life.
What are the main types of immunodeficiencies?
Clinical immunodeficiencies are broadly categorized into two distinct types depending on their underlying cause:
1. Primary Immunodeficiency (PI)
Primary immunodeficiencies are typically genetic or inherited conditions where a person is born missing a vital part of their immune system's defensive toolkit. These can range from mild antibody deficiencies to severe combined cellular gaps. Because they are rooted in genetics, they cannot be caught from someone else or acquired over time.
2. Secondary (Acquired) Immunodeficiency
Secondary immunodeficiencies occur when an outside factor damages a previously healthy immune system. This type of immune compromise is more common than primary disorders and can be caused by:
• Medical Treatments: Chemotherapy, radiation, or immunosuppressive medications used for autoimmune diseases or organ transplants.
• Chronic Illnesses: Conditions like diabetes, severe malnutrition, or viral infections that deplete immune resources.
• Environmental or External Factors: Severe burns, critical trauma, or aging.
At Chattanooga Allergy Clinic, our board-certified specialists use advanced diagnostics to pinpoint the precise nature of your immune system's weakness. Identifying whether an immunodeficiency is primary or secondary allows us to build a highly targeted treatment plan designed to safely strengthen your immune function, prevent frequent infections, and significantly restore your quality of life.
What are the signs and symptoms of immunodeficiency?
One of the most common signs of an immunodeficiency disorder is having infections that occur more frequently, last longer, or are more difficult to treat than expected.
People with primary immunodeficiency disorders may also develop unusual or recurrent infections that are less common in individuals with healthy immune systems.
Other symptoms can include:
• Frequent or recurrent pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, or ear infections
• Recurrent skin infections or unusual infections
• Persistent inflammation or infections affecting internal organs
• Blood disorders such as anemia or low platelet counts
• Digestive symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, or poor appetite
• Delayed growth or development in children
• Autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Type 1 diabetes
• Fatigue or difficulty recovering from illness
Symptoms can vary widely depending on the type and severity of the immune disorder.
What are the types of immunodeficiency that CAC treats?
Chattanooga Allergy Clinic evaluates and treats a variety of primary immunodeficiency disorders, also called immune deficiencies. These conditions can affect the body’s ability to fight infections and may lead to recurrent sinus infections, lung infections, ear infections, or other chronic health problems.
Common immunodeficiency disorders we diagnose and treat include:
Specific Antibody Deficiency (SAD)
Specific antibody deficiency occurs when the immune system has difficulty producing protective antibodies against certain bacteria. Patients with SAD may experience recurrent sinus, ear, or respiratory infections.
Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID)
Common variable immunodeficiency is a disorder characterized by low levels of immunoglobulins (antibodies) in the bloodstream. Patients with CVID are often more susceptible to frequent or recurrent infections.
IgA Deficiency
Selective IgA deficiency is one of the most common immune deficiencies and occurs when the body does not produce enough immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antibody that helps protect against infection. Some patients experience recurrent infections, while others may have few or no symptoms.
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)
Severe combined immunodeficiency is a rare inherited immune disorder that affects the development and function of infection-fighting immune cells. Infants with SCID are highly vulnerable to serious infections and require specialized medical care.
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited condition that can affect the lungs and liver and may increase the risk of chronic lung disease.
Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD)
Chronic granulomatous disease is an inherited immune disorder in which certain white blood cells cannot effectively fight bacterial and fungal infections, leading to recurrent infections and inflammation.
When should you see a doctor for possible immunodeficiency?
If you or your child experience frequent, recurrent, severe, or unusually difficult-to-treat infections, it may be important to undergo evaluation for an underlying immune disorder.
Early diagnosis and treatment of immunodeficiency disorders can help reduce infections, prevent complications, and improve long-term health and quality of life.
Evaluation by a board-certified allergist/immunologist can help determine whether immune system testing or additional evaluation may be appropriate.
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