Primary immunodeficiency, aka primary immune disorder, means some component of your immune system is missing or not working right. As a result, you’re more vulnerable to infection because the ability to fight and eliminate infectious pathogens is not functioning properly.
Primary immunodeficiency is an inherited disorder. The degree to which a primary immune disorder affects health varies depending on how the genetic defect weakens the immune system. Therefore, some forms manifest in a mild manner, while others can cause very serious consequences.
The most common sign you may have some sort of primary immune disorder is an easy susceptibility to infectious diseases. So in contrast to those with a healthy immune system, you may get infected more frequently, your infections may last longer or your infection is harder to cure with treatment.
Having an immune deficiency can lead to you experiencing recurrent ear infections, sinus infections, skin infections, respiratory infections, (e.g. bronchitis and pneumonia) or meningitis. And depending on the nature of your immune disorder, you may experience some additional complications, like:
- sepsis
- inflammation
- blood disorders ~ low platelet count, anemia
- organ damage ~ heart, lungs, nervous system, digestive tract
- digestive problems ~ nausea, cramping, appetite loss, diarrhea
- autoimmune disorders ~ lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes
Treatment for primary immunodeficiency involves treating and preventing infections, symptoms and any complications, as well as boosting your immune system. This may entail taking antibiotics to treat and prevent infections, pain relievers for pain, decongestants for sinus congestion or expectorant to clear respiratory tract. Additional forms of treatment can involve:
- stem cell transplant
- immunoglobulin therapy for antibody deficiency
- growth factor therapy for white blood cell deficiency
- interferon therapy for chronic granulomatous disease
Very often a combination of treatments is necessary to yield the best results. There are a couple of lifestyle adjustments you can make to prevent infections, such as wash your hands frequently, consume a healthy diet and avoid potential germ exposure situations.
Presently there is no cure for primary immune disorders.