WHAT IS AN IMMUNOLOGIC DEFICIENCY?
The immune system defends and protects the body from “invaders” such as viruses, infections, and disease. When part of the immune system is not functioning properly, it can result in an immune deficiency.
Diseases such as Primary Immunodeficiency Disease (PIDD) can be life-threatening and difficult to diagnose. As an allergist and immunologist, Dr. Cowan has specialized training and expertise to accurately diagnose these diseases and coordinate an individualized treatment plan.
People with immunologic diseases often suffer from severe infections that are difficult to cure or seem to come back again and again. These infections affect the skin, respiratory system, the ears, the urinary or gastrointestinal tracts, and even other organ systems. Thankfully, treatment options are available.
SYMPTOMS OF PRIMARY IMMUNODEFICIENCY DISEASE (PIDD)
- Recurrent, unusual or difficult to treat infections
- Poor growth or loss of weight
- Recurrent pneumonia, ear infections or sinusitis
- Multiple courses of antibiotics or IV antibiotics necessary to clear infections
- Recurrent deep abscesses of the organs or skin
- A family history of PIDD
- Autoimmune disease
- Swollen lymph glands or an enlarged spleen
If you or a loved one is suffering from any of these symptoms, please call Dr. Cowan today. Severe PIDDs are often diagnosed when children are very young, but less severe immunodeficiency diseases can be disguised as recurring infections which lead to a much later diagnosis. Many people reach their 20s and 30s before being diagnosed with an immunodeficiency disease, but many people thrive once finding a treatment plan.
ALLERGIES & IMMUNOLOGIC DISEASES
As well stated by the Immune Deficiency Foundation , “allergic diseases and symptoms occur because of an active immune system that reacts to things that are usually harmless, such as pollen, pet dander or foods. For that reason, it can be puzzling that people with immune deficiencies would have allergies. In fact, taken as a whole, people with immune deficiencies probably have a far greater disease burden of allergy than the general population, although perhaps not in the same patterns. It is generally true that people with immunodeficiencies do not have problems with allergies as often as those who are immunocompetent. However, specific changes to the immune system in some immune deficiency diseases may increase the risk of developing allergies.”