Every time you get sick or develop an infection, your body learns and understands how the virus works to easily eliminate it if it ever decides to reoccur. Some people who experience recurrent infections or illnesses may require additional medical assistance to boost their immune system to better fight off their recurrent illnesses.
What Are Recurrent Infections?
Recurrent infections are defined as infections that happen too frequently, cause symptoms that are too severe or last for far too long. In order for a medical professional to diagnose an infection as recurrent infection, it needs to happen two or more times within one year.
The cause of recurrent infection can be quite broad, though many recurrent infections are caused by immunosuppression, a functional disorder, or an anatomic lesion.
What is an Immunodeficiency?
Immunodeficiency disorders inhibit the body’s ability to fight off abnormal or foreign cells that enter the body. Unfortunately, there is currently no way to prevent the development of immunodeficiency disorders; however, they can be made better with medication. There are two types of immunodeficiency disorders:
- Primary immunodeficiency- This type of immunodeficiency is rare and typically develops in infancy and childhood. It is either present in the baby at birth or develops in early childhood as a result of an inherited gene.
- Secondary immunodeficiency- This is a more common form of immunodeficiency that develops later in life as the result of drug use or because of another disorder like diabetes or HIV.
Contrary to what some may believe, those who have immunodeficiency disorders can live long lives. Immunodeficiency disorders, for the most part, do not shorten the lifespan of many people. Some immunodeficiency disorders may alter a person’s lifespan, but they do not make up the majority.
How Recurrent Infections Can Signal Immunodeficiencies
When you get an infection or an illness, your body develops antibodies. These antibodies eliminate the illness, and your body should become less susceptible to being affected by the same illness or infection. However, those who experience recurrent infections may have an immunodeficiency that prevents your antibodies from remembering what the illness or infection looks like, allowing it to return time and time again.
If this is the case for you, it may be a good idea to visit your primary care physician so that you can figure out the cause of your recurrent illness or infection.
How We Can Help
When you come to the medical professionals at Allergy Associates, we will put forth all of our efforts into understanding what may be triggering your recurrent infections or immunodeficiency and how to move forward with your treatment. Our goal is to provide you with the best comprehensive treatment for your case. This could be either with medication or topical treatments. We will also take into consideration your opinion and your thoughts on your treatment plan. We are willing to collaborate with you on your health in order to make this process as easy and comfortable for you as possible.
Why Choose Us
Our experts take great care in performing tests to understand the cause of your recurrent infections or immunodeficiency to the fullest extent. It is important to us that we understand your specific case so that we can create the most beneficial treatment possible so that you can go back to living normally. We understand that these issues can be difficult, which is why the professionals at Allergy Associates will go the extra mile to give you the best care possible.