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If you’re one of the 500,000 Americans with an immune deficiency disease, you can find the high-quality medical care you need at Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates. The experienced medical team provides diagnostic blood tests to identify an immune deficiency. They also create care plans to address existing infections and prevent new ones from occurring. Call the Boulder, Lakewood, Westminster, Denver, Littleton, or Arvada, Colorado, office to schedule an immune deficiency consultation or book an appointment online today.
Immune Deficiency Q & A
What is immune deficiency?
Immune deficiency disease affects your body’s ability to defend itself against disease. There are over 300 different types of primary immune deficiency diseases (PIDDs), including:
- Antibody (B cell) deficiencies
- T cell deficiencies
- Combination B and T cell deficiencies
- Idiopathic (unknown) deficiencies
Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates offers comprehensive care for adults and children who are born with immune deficiency or develop it later.
You may also need diagnostic testing for an immune deficiency if you have a family history of the condition and plan to start a family.
How do I know that I have immune deficiency?
A hallmark symptom of immune deficiency is experiencing frequent infections that last longer than usual or infections that are difficult to treat. These infections can include:
- Sinus infections
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Ear infections
- Skin infections
You may also have immune deficiency if you have an existing autoimmune disorder like rheumatoid arthritis, Type 1 diabetes, and lupus. Children who experience delayed growth and development may also need screening for immune deficiency.
Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates offers comprehensive blood tests to evaluate your immune system’s health. The medical team checks your blood for immunoglobulins, the proteins that fight infection.
How is immune deficiency treated?
Your treatment plan for immune deficiency focuses on treating existing infections and preventing new ones. The Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates team also provides strategies to boost your immune system's overall function.
Infection treatments may include prescription antibiotics. Depending on your condition, you may need to take antibiotics for an extended time or receive antibiotics intravenously.
To prevent infections, you should practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, and avoid others who are sick. You may also benefit from immunoglobulin therapy, a treatment that involves injections of antibody proteins to help your immune system fight off infection.
For some, the ongoing threat of getting an infection can cause anxiety and other challenges. The experienced providers offer resources to help you cope with the stress of immune deficiency.
Call the Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates office near you to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of immune deficiency, or book an appointment online today.