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Immunodeficiency

Let's talk about immunodeficiency

How do you know if you are immuno-deficient? Generally, everyone can get infections but people who are immuno-deficient have more frequent infections that can be severe and have more complications. In addition, the infections usually do not go away without being treated with antibiotics and most often reoccur after antibiotic treatment. These patients may need several courses of antibiotics during the course of the year. The infections can develop in certain areas of the body: bones, joints, liver, heart and brain. Remember that the frequency of infections is very important.

Your Allergist/Immunologist can determine if you are immunodeficient. Take for instance: a preschooler can get several ear infections, which can be normal for that age group. But for someone who is older it is abnormal.

• If your child requires more than 4 courses of antibiotics per year or in adults more than twice a year
• More than 4 ear infections per year
• More than 3 bacterial sinusitis infections or chronic sinusitis
• Antibiotics prevention treatment to reduce the number of infections
• Any unusual infections that do not occur with people of your age group
• Malaise and fatigue that never really go away

If you have experienced any of the above please contact Dr. Tolston's office or your family physician, who can refer you to an Allergist/Immunologist. Then you can have a complete evaluation. Your doctor can give you more information on recurrent infections, immunodeficiency and treatments like IVIG--intravenous immunoglobulins. Basically, it replaces the antibodies that your body cannot make. Remember that early treatment can prevent serious complications, reduce the number of infections and improve your immune system.

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