Immune System
The body’s first line of defense against infectious diseases (like bacteria, viruses, or fungi) is the immune system. If the immune system is not working properly it can lead to severe recurrent ear infections, sinus infections and pneumonia (proven by a chest X-ray).
A thorough personal and family medical history along with physical examination is the first step in evaluating a person with a potential immune deficiency. Specific questions may be asked such as:
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Do the same symptoms keep coming back or never seem to completely clear?
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Is the infection severe enough to require hospitalization or intravenous antibiotics?
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Is there a family history of early infant death or of susceptibility to infection?
Laboratory tests (blood tests) that can measure different parts of the immune system may be necessary depending on the clinical history
General measures such as eating a healthy diet, decreasing stress, increasing sleep, and practicing good hand hygiene may be warranted. Specific therapies like rotating antibiotic schedules, intravenous immunoglobulin, or granulocyte-colony stimulating factor may be necessary depending on the specific disease.
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If you feel you or a family member is suffering from an immunodeficiency, call 313-871-7572 to schedule an appointment today.