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Finally, in the case of a genetic cause, gene therapy may be used to replace the gene that does not work properly with one that does.
However, primary immunodeficiency is still an area of active, ongoing research, so we can expect improved treatments and a better quality of life for patients in the years to come.
See also: All about ITP, the autoimmune disease affecting children and adults alike
As it stands, there are a number of treatments available to boost the immune system in the case of various immunodeficiency disorders.
Stem cell transplants are another possibility, in which your body gets working immune cells from someone else (a donor).
Doctors may also take steps to increase a patient’s white blood count (white blood cells play an important role in the functioning of the immune system).
There are also treatments that can help the immune system work better, such as immunoglobulin replacement therapy and interferon-gamma therapy.
In terms of treatment, what is suitable depends heavily on which type of PI a person has. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent certain infections.
If you have primary immunodeficiency, it is very important that you take steps to prevent infection. These steps include washing your hands correctly and taking proper care of your teeth.
Indeed, if left untreated, PI can cause serious health problems, including organ damage and even death.
Maintaining healthy habits, such as following a proper regime of diet and exercise, is also important, and it is a good idea to avoid people who are sick, as well as crowds.
Although there is no cure for most cases of PI, treatment can help delay or prevent some of the health problems it may cause.
Equally, if you or your child is diagnosed with PI, it is important that you share this information with your family members.
People with PI should also ask their doctor which vaccines are safe for them to take. In some cases, vaccines such as the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine are not safe.
If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, it is important for both you and your baby’s health that you share any family history of PI with your doctor.
If you or your child has frequent, recurring, and/or serious infections, or infections that do not respond to treatment, you should speak to your health care provider.
PI also increases the likelihood of developing a severe infection that requires hospitalization, or contracting an infection that most people don’t get (sometimes known as an opportunistic infection).
Primary immunodeficiency often has a genetic cause, which means that it can run in families. In some cases, for example, it is due to a genetic disorder called DiGeorge syndrome.
Early diagnosis is important, because it can help prevent infections that may cause long-term problems for you and/or your child.
Other symptoms to look out for include digestive problems, such as chronic diarrhea, and lack of weight gain (in the case of an infant).
There are a number of signs and symptoms of PI. The first is contracting infections—such as ear infections, sinus infections, or pneumonia—more frequently than normal.
There are around 400 different types of primary immunodeficiency, each of which varies in severity. The more severe the type of PI, the earlier it is likely to be detected.
Overall, it is estimated that one in 500 people in the United States is born with a primary immunodeficiency.
Indeed, some people do not find out they have PI until they reach adulthood, whereas others are diagnosed as very young children.
Although there are a high number of primary immunodeficiencies, the majority of them are very rare.
This means that they are more likely to pick up an infection, and once they have picked up an infection they are more likely to become very sick.
People with primary immunodeficiency, otherwise known as PI, have immune systems that do not work properly.
Living with PI can be difficult, but there are treatments that can help the immune system work better. The most effective treatment depends on which type of PI a person has.
Unless you know someone who has primary immunodeficiency (PI) or you are that someone, you probably haven't heard of it. To a large extent, the clue is in the name: people with PI have deficient immune systems.
Fortunately, there are treatments available and measures people can take to prevent complications, although there is currently no cure. Thankfully, the majority of primary immunodeficiencies are rare, although this also means awareness is generally low.
With this in mind, check out the following gallery to learn all about primary immunodeficiency and why it occurs. Click on for more.
Demystifying primary immunodeficiency and why it occurs
Primary immunodeficiencies cause their sufferers to get more sick, more often
HEALTH Immune system
Unless you know someone who has primary immunodeficiency (PI) or you are that someone, you probably haven't heard of it. To a large extent, the clue is in the name: people with PI have deficient immune systems.
Fortunately, there are treatments available and measures people can take to prevent complications, although there is currently no cure. Thankfully, the majority of primary immunodeficiencies are rare, although this also means awareness is generally low.
With this in mind, check out the following gallery to learn all about primary immunodeficiency and why it occurs. Click on for more.