Do you feel like you get a lot of colds or other infections? Sometimes this is within the scope of being normal (for example, if you have a child in daycare or school it’s likely you are exposed to more viruses than others), but it is also possible that this may be due to a defect in your immune system. Having an immunodeficiency is usually pretty rare, but if someone as recurrent infections that seem to more frequent and more severe than other people, it may be a good idea to be evaluated by an allergist/immunologist. There is a disease called common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), which is when a patient has lower than normal levels of immunoglobulins (antibodies that help us fight infection), as well as an inability or blunted ability to make antibodies to the bacteria that we are vaccinated to. Someone with this disease can get recurring infections involving the ears, eyes, sinuses, nose, lungs, skin, gastrointestinal tract, joints, bones, etc. These infections respond to antibiotics but can occur again when the medications are stopped. If a patient is found to have CVID after careful evaluation by an allergist/immunologist, there is treatment available that may help reduce the number and severity of the infections.
-Faith Huang, M.D.
Allergy & Asthma Associates of Southern California provides relief from allergies, asthma, sinus problems, chronic cough and other related conditions. Dr. William E. Berger, Dr. Warner W. Carr, Dr. Mark S. Sugar, Dr. Simi Kapoor, Dr. Christina D. Schwindt and Dr. Faith R. Huang together with their staff specialize in allergy and immunology in Southern California.
If you or your child is suffering from frequent colds or other infections, please call us at (949) 364-2900 to schedule your appointment today. You can also use our online Request an Appointment form to schedule a future appointment.
