What is immunodeficiency and its Symptoms?

What are Immunodeficiencies?

Immunodeficiencies are a heterogeneous group of diseases in which an inadequate functioning of the immune system is observed, which is responsible for defending us against infections.

These diseases were considered “rare” due to their low frequency, but today they are increasingly diagnosed. This is due to the actions of allergists, immunologists, and non-immunologists (pediatricians, clinicians, infectologists, pulmonologists, dermatologists, among others) who have become aware of these pathologies, taking them into account in their daily practice. 

This allows many patients today to have a correct diagnosis and treatment, radically changing the life prognosis of many of them. Due to their high prevalence and impact on quality of life, allergic and immunological diseases constitute a serious health problem.

How is the immune system composed?

The Immune System has three main components: White Blood Cells, Immunoglobulins (antibodies), and the Complement System that works in coordination with other cells, hormones, and lymphatic organs. There are several types of white blood cells: neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes. 

The thymus and bone marrow constitute the central lymphatic organs where lymphocytes originate and mature, which then circulate in the blood and pass through the peripheral lymphatic organs (lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, adenoids, appendix, Peyer’s patches, and mucosal lymphoid structures). to become defense memory cells or effector cells.

When to suspect an illness of the immune system?

Since one of the most important functions of the normal immune system is to protect us against infection, it is common for patients with immunodeficiency diseases to have increased susceptibility to infection. This increased susceptibility to infections can include:

Too many infections.

Infections that are difficult to eliminate.

Unusually serious infections.

How are immunodeficiencies classified?

Immunodeficiency diseases can be classified according to their origin in:

1º Primary (congenital-hereditary): Due to affectation in the number or function of lymphocytes, deficiency of immunoglobulins, phagocytic cells, complement proteins, or combined defects.

2nd Secondary (acquired): For example due to polytrauma, radiotherapy, immunosuppressive drugs, chemotherapy, major burns, AIDS.

The first descriptions of these diseases were in children, 40% of diagnoses are made during the first year of life. But as our medical experience has grown, many adolescents and adults have been diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency diseases. 

This is in part due to the fact that certain disorders, such as Common Variable Immunodeficiency disease and Selective IgA Deficiency, may have their initial clinical presentation in adult life.

Are immunodeficiencies contagious?

These diseases are NOT contagious, they are not spread from one person to another.

What are the warning signs of possible immunodeficiency?

1. Eight or more otitis in a year.
2. Two or more serious sinusitis in a year.
3. Two or more months of taking antibiotics with poor results.
4. Two or more pneumonia in a year.
5. Not gaining weight and height normally.
6. Repeated deep abscesses (infections with pus) in the skin or internal organs.
7. Persistent fungi in the mouth or on the skin in people older than one year.
8. Need for intravenous antibiotics to eliminate infections.
9. Two or more severe internal infections.
10. Family history of primary immunodeficiency.

The Immunodeficiency Clinic only allows us to guide the diagnosis. In all cases, the definitive diagnosis must be established with appropriate laboratory procedures that allow the evaluation of immunological competence.

Early diagnosis of these diseases is essential since it allows the establishment of appropriate therapies before chronic and irreparable damage to vital organs occurs.

Know you get to know what are immunodeficiency and its symptoms. If you are not feeling well do consult your doctor.