Do you get sick often? It could be a primary immunodeficiency.

Do you always get sick? Or do you feel like you are more contagious than others around you? If you have a cold but it takes a long time to get better, don't just dismiss it as something normal. It could be that your body's defense system, the immune system, is a little weak. Today we are going to talk about a topic that many people are not aware of, but it is very important. That is Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (PIDD).

What is Primary Immunodeficiency?

Simply put, our body's immune system is like an army that protects a country. The job of this army is to protect us from diseases by fighting off foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses.

Now imagine, what would happen if some of the soldiers in this army were not properly trained, or if they did not have the weapons they needed? It would be very easy for enemies to enter the country and cause harm, wouldn't it? That's how it is with someone with Primary Immunodeficiency Syndrome (PIDS). In this condition, parts of your immune system are not working properly from birth. This means that your body's defenses are a little weak.

Because of this, you may get sick more often than others. Also, you are more likely to have a more serious illness or complications from an illness that is usually mild and self-limiting.

What are the main types of this?

There are more than 400 types of these primary immunodeficiency diseases. Some are very mild and don't affect you much. But some types can be very serious, even life-threatening. Some types show symptoms at birth, while others may not show symptoms until you are an adult.

Below are some of the main conditions that fall into this category. These names may sound a little strange to you, but it's important to be aware of them when talking to a doctor.

Are all immunodeficiencies congenital?

No. That's a very important question. The primary immunodeficiency we've been talking about so far is one that is congenital, caused by genetic causes.

However, there is another type called Secondary Immunodeficiency . This happens after you are born, due to another medical condition, or because of a medication you are taking. Although this is a completely different condition, the symptoms can be very similar.

Let's look at what can cause secondary immunodeficiency.

If I suspect I have this condition, what symptoms should I look for?

Okay, now you're probably thinking, "Oh, I don't know if I have something like this too." Let's look at what the main symptoms are. Just because you have one or two of these symptoms doesn't mean you have this disease. But if you have several of them regularly, it's definitely best to see a doctor and get advice.

• Getting sick more often than others: If you catch illnesses more quickly than those around you.
• An illness that takes a long time to recover: Even a common cold that lasts for weeks.
• Having to take antibiotics for a long time: Having to take antibiotics for weeks, even for a bacterial infection that usually clears up in a few days.
• Enlarged spleen.
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Unexplained weight loss or, in the case of a child, stunted growth.
• Frequent stomach upsets and diarrhea.
• When given a live vaccine, side effects are more likely to occur than others.

Most often, people with these conditions develop symptoms before the age of 20. However, they can appear at any time in life.

Why does something like this happen?

As we mentioned earlier, the main cause of primary immunodeficiency is genetic changes. Just as a small bug in a computer program can persist, changes in the genes, the basic blueprint of our body, cause the immune system to not develop or function properly.

This is why the immune system:

• May show lower than normal performance.
• Some important cell types may be missing.
• It may even be completely inactive.

These conditions usually run in families. This means that if your parents or siblings have the condition, you are at risk of developing it too. These conditions are also more common in men.

How does a doctor find this?

When you go to see a doctor, he or she will consider several factors to determine if you have this condition.

1. Your medical history: You will be asked about any recent illnesses you have had and how often you get sick.

2. Physical examination: You will be given a complete physical examination.

3. Your symptoms: Ask about the discomfort you are experiencing.

4. Your family history: Ask if anyone in your family has had this condition.

After that, several tests may be done to confirm the disease.

What are the treatments for this?

Treatment depends on what type of immunodeficiency you have. Your doctor will tell you the best ways to prevent and manage infections.

The main treatment methods used are:

• Antibiotics are medicines given to prevent or treat bacterial infections.
• Antiviral drugs for viral infections.
• IVIG treatment: This involves injecting your body with antibodies from healthy people. It's like adding a new group of trained soldiers to your body's army. This temporarily boosts your immunity.
• Stem cell transplant: This is a treatment for people with very serious conditions. In this, stem cells taken from a healthy person are transplanted into the patient, in an attempt to build a new, healthy immune system.
• Gene therapy: This is a new treatment that is still being developed. It attempts to repair the defective gene or replace it with a healthy one.

When should I see a doctor?

Everyone gets sick from time to time. That's normal. But who knows your body better than you? If you feel like, "Something is wrong, I'm sick all the time," don't ignore that feeling. See a doctor right away.

Also, if you are already being treated for this condition,

• If you feel like taking medicine doesn't help
• If you develop a fever or other infection

Inform your doctor immediately. He or she will give you the necessary instructions to prevent complications.

How do you live with a situation like this?

Living with this condition can be challenging. You have to be careful of infections all the time. You may have to take medication for the rest of your life. But you are not alone. Your doctor, family, and friends can help you.

There are a few simple things you can do to prevent infections:

• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap. This is especially important before eating and after using the toilet.
• Get the vaccinations recommended by your doctor on time.
• Getting enough sleep .
• Following a balanced, healthy diet .
• Staying physically active as much as possible.

Your loved ones can also help protect you. Tell your family and friends about this. If they have a cold or any other illness, ask them to tell you before they come to see you. That way, you can prevent yourself from getting sick.

Living with a condition like this can be overwhelming at times. But remember, this is just one part of your health. It doesn't define who you are.