Primary immunodeficiency disorders, also called primary immune disorders or primary immunodeficiency weaken the immune system, allowing infections and other health problems to occur more easily. One of the most common signs of primary immunodeficiency is having infections that are more frequent, longer-lasting, or harder to treat than are the infections of someone with a normal immune system
Some forms of primary immunodeficiency are so mild they can go unnoticed for years. Other types are severe enough that they’re discovered soon after an affected baby is born.
Treatments can boost the immune system in many types of primary immunodeficiency disorders.
If you or someone you know is affected by two or more of the following warning signs there may be an underlying Primary Immunodeficiency.
- Four or more new ear infections within 1 year.
- Two or more serious sinus infections within 1 year.
- Two or more months on antibiotics with little effect.
- Two or more cases of pneumonia within 1 year.
- Failure of an infant to gain weight or grow normally.
- Recurrent, deep skin or organ abscesses.
- Persistent thrush in the mouth or fungal infection on the skin.
- Need for intravenous antibiotics to clear infections.
- Two or more deep-seated infections including septicemia.
- A family history of Primary Immunodeficiency