Immunodeficiency: when immunity fails

Immunodeficiency: when immunity fails


Recurrent infections are signs of immunodeficiency and should be investigated by an immunologist.




You know someone who always seems to be dealing with ear infections, sinusitis, pneumonia recurrent or unwanted intestinal infections? Or have you been prescribed too many antibiotics to treat infections? These situations may seem simple, but they can indicate something more complex: these episodes could be signs of immunodeficiency1or requiring further investigation by a doctor.

Immunodeficiencies, as the name suggestsare conditions in which the body’s immune system does not function properlywhich can be characteristics such as primary or secondary1.2.

Secondary immunodeficiencies are acquired and do not have a genetic basis. “These include those resulting from the use of immunosuppressive drugs, such as corticosteroids and chemotherapy drugs against cancer, as well as chronic diseases that affect the immune system, such as cancer itself and degenerative diseases”, explains immunologist and allergist Dr He is also Director of International Conference Relations of the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology (ASBAI).

Immunodeficiencies have a genetic basis and can manifest themselves both in childhood and adulthood.1.

“These are genetic damages – not necessarily hereditary – which mainly affect the immune system. They are also known as inborn errors of immunity”, explains immunologist Dr. Ekaterini Goudouris, scientific director of the ASBAI.

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See also

Low immunity: symptoms, what to do and vitamins

Grandma’s recipes that actually put your health at risk

8 Signs Your Vitamin D Is Low

Home Remedy for Ear Pain: Understanding What Works

How to avoid otitis externa in summer?

Source: Terra

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