You need this type of treatment when you develop an immune deficiency disease. Immunodeficiency begins when your immune system weakens. As a result, key components such as white blood cells and proteins called immunoglobulins (Ig) can’t protect you from diseases or invading bacteria, viruses, and toxins.

Immunodeficiency diseases fall into two broad categories, primary and secondary:

Primary immunodeficiency diseases
Primary immunodeficiency diseases, a group of more than 300 diseases, arise when you have a problem in your immune system. In many cases, you inherit these conditions.

Your condition may not receive a diagnosis until adulthood because it often takes years for immunodeficiency diseases to cause a noticeable pattern of symptoms.

Secondary immunodeficiency diseases
Secondary immunodeficiency diseases develop when an underlying health condition weakens your immune system. AIDS and viral hepatitis, which includes hepatitis A, B, and C, represent examples of secondary immunodeficiency diseases.

Each type of immunodeficiency disease has unique symptoms. But a weak immune system makes you vulnerable to frequent or recurring infections. Over the years, you may have ongoing problems such as:

• Ear infections
• Acute bronchitis
• Pneumonia
• Eye infections
• Sinus infections
• Skin abscesses
• Meningitis
• Gastritis

Immunoglobulin A (IgA), one of the most common immunodeficiency conditions, causes recurrent respiratory infections.

When treating immunodeficiency diseases, your DFW Asthma & Allergy Center provider may prescribe medications to target your symptoms. However, the primary treatment, immunoglobulin replacement, improves your health by boosting your immune system.

Immunoglobulins, more commonly known as antibodies, are produced by your immune system and circulate in your blood. Their job is to identify invaders and bind to the pathogen. Then your immune system sends out cells that neutralize or destroy the invader.

You may benefit from immunoglobulin replacement therapy if your weakened immune system can’t produce an adequate amount of antibodies. The therapy helps your body fight off infection and control symptoms.

Your provider administers immunoglobulin replacement through an intravenous infusion or a shot under your skin (subcutaneous injection).

Immunodeficiency treatment helps you live a thriving life despite challenging diseases. To learn more, call DFW Asthma & Allergy Center or request an appointment online today.