Did you know over 200 forms of primary immune deficiency diseases affect almost 500,000 people in the United States?
Primary immune deficiency diseases (PIDDs) are rare, costly, and can lead to disability and huge changes in your life. Immunity blood tests are critical in the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.
If you lack immunity to common diseases and wonder about a blood test to check your immune system, you're in the right place.
Keep reading this guide to learn everything you need to know about immunity deficiencies and immunity blood tests.
What is Immune Deficiency
Immunity deficiency is categorized by a group of disorders called primary immune deficiency diseases (PIDDs). These disorders are rare, genetic, and impair your immune system. If your immune system doesn't function properly, you're subject to debilitating and chronic infections.
Over 200 forms of PIDDs can be diagnosed in infancy, childhood, or when you're an adult depending on the severity. Certain PIDDs are fatal.
When you have PIDD, you're born missing some of the body's natural immune defenses, or your immune system doesn't work normally. This defect leaves you more susceptible to germs that cause infections.
Certain forms of PIDD are very mild and aren't detected until adulthood. Other forms are so severe they're discovered immediately after a baby is born.
Nowadays, treatments can boost the immune system in many types of PIDD and lead to improved outcomes and quality of life for people with this condition.
Risk factors for Immune Deficiency
The one known risk factor for primary immune deficiency disorder is your family history. If you have a type of PIDD or are concerned, you might due to your family history, talk to your doctor. You also may want to seek genetic counseling before starting a family.
Causes of Immune Deficiency
Many causes of immunodeficiency disorders are inherited, meaning they're passed down from one or both parents. Problems with the genetic code that produces cells in the immune system cause this disorder. PIDD is classified into six groups based on the part of the immune system affected. These groups include:
- B cell antibody deficiencies
- T cell deficiencies
- A combination of B and T cell deficiencies
- Defective phagocytes
- Complement deficiency
- Unknown or idiopathic
Signs and Symptoms of Immune Deficiency
The most common sign of PIDD is frequent infections that last longer and are harder to treat. You'll also likely get infections that people with normal immune systems don't get. Signs and symptoms depend on the type of PIDD you have, but usually include:
- Frequent pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, skin infections, or ear infections
- Infection and inflammation of your internal organs
- Blood disorders like anemia
- Problems with digestion like loss of appetite, nausea, and diarrhea
- Autoimmune disorders like lupus
- Delayed growth in children
Complications from primary immunodeficiency disorder vary, depending on the type you have. Though there is still a risk of serious complications like:
- Autoimmune disorders
- Recurrent infections
- Damage to your heart, lungs, nervous system, and intestines
- Increased risk of developing cancer
- Death from serious infections
How is Immune Deficiency Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask you about your personal history of illness and infections. They will also ask you about any close relatives being diagnosed with an immune disorder. Your doctor will also check your symptoms and do a physical examination.
Tests to diagnose immune disorders include tests to level the levels of your infection-fighting proteins (immunoglobulins) in your blood. You'll also have blood tests to measure the number of immune system cells, like white blood cells.
If you're a woman with PIDD, it's a good idea to have genetic testing so you can prepare for future pregnancies. If you're already pregnant, you can have samples of amniotic tested for abnormalities.
Lab Tests for Immune Deficiency
When you need to check your immune system, a blood test is an easiest and cheapest way to detect if you have problems.
Lab tests for PIDD include an immune system blood test called an immunity panel. This panel tests hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and chickenpox immunity.
An immunoglobulins panel checks for elevations in IgG, IgA, and IgM. Decreased levels of these are found in people with immune deficiency.
A c-reactive protein is useful for measuring inflammation in your body, indicating how your immune system works.
A complete blood count (CBC) measures not only your red blood cells but key components of your immune system, such as white blood cells, neutrophils, and monocytes.
FAQS About Immune Deficiency
Is there a cure for PIDD? Yes, a stem cell transplantation from a close relative can build a normally functioning immune system. The donor must have similar antigens, so the recipient accepts the donor's stem cells. But only the most serious of PIDD get this treatment. Most people with PIDD do not require this.
What treatments are there for PIDD? Many people with PIDD are treated with IgG replacement therapy. This therapy provides the antibodies that the body needs to have a functioning immune system. Many people take antibiotics and other medications to prevent infections.
How do I know if my child has PIDD? If your child has poor growth, weight loss, unusual or difficult to treat infections, or a family history of PIDD, you should talk to your pediatrician.
Where can I go for more information about PIDD? The Immune Deficiency Foundation aims to improve treatments and the quality of life of people affected by PIDD. You can find education, tools, events, news, and research updates.
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