How do you know if you have primary immunodeficiency?
You might have PI if you experience frequent, severe, or hard-to-treat infections that don't respond well to standard treatments. Some key warning signs include:
* Getting sick more often than other people
* Colds that linger for weeks
* Antibiotics that seem to stop Show Full Answer
How do you know if you have primary immunodeficiency?
You might have PI if you experience frequent, severe, or hard-to-treat infections that don't respond well to standard treatments. Some key warning signs include:
* Getting sick more often than other people
* Colds that linger for weeks
* Antibiotics that seem to stop working
* Infections that last longer than expected
* Infections caused by germs that usually don't make healthy people sick
About 90 percent of PI disorders in children are linked to three key warning signs: family history of PI, need for IV antibiotics to treat infection, and lack of typical growth or weight gain.
If you notice these patterns, talk to your healthcare provider. They can order blood tests to check your immune system function, including immunoglobulin levels and complete blood counts. You may be referred to an immunologist who specializes in diagnosing PI.
Keep in mind that PI can be tricky to diagnose because symptoms often look like other common illnesses. On average, it takes over four years to get a PI diagnosis, and for milder types, it can take up to 10 years.
January 24
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