Do you suffer from frequent infections? Let's talk about CVID (Common Variable Immunodeficiency)

Are you tired of getting sick all the time with colds , coughs, and flu? Sometimes we think, “Oh, my body is weak.” But that’s not always the reason. Sometimes, the reason for this can be a weakness in our body’s defense system, that is, the immune system. Today, we are going to talk about such a condition, a disease called CVID , which can greatly affect our daily lives.

What is CVID?

Simply put, CVID (Common Variable Immunodeficiency) is a genetic disease related to our body's immune system. It belongs to the category of diseases called `primary immunodeficiency disease (PIDD)`.

Think of it like a fortress. This fortress has soldiers to protect it from enemies called germs . These soldiers are what we call antibodies in medicine. A person with CVID produces these antibodies at very low levels. So, what happens when the number of soldiers in our fortress decreases? Foreign enemies, namely germs, can easily enter the body and cause diseases .

As a result, people with CVID often develop ear infections , sinus infections, and lung infections . The condition also increases the risk of more serious conditions, such as intestinal problems, blood and autoimmune diseases, and cancer .

Who is at higher risk of developing CVID?

Compared to other immunodeficiency diseases, CVID is a relatively common condition. On average, it affects about one in 25,000 people.

Although it can affect anyone, it is most common in adults. Although CVID can affect children and young adults, it is often diagnosed in adulthood. The disease is most often diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 .

However, surveys have shown that about 2 in 10 people with CVID were diagnosed with immunodeficiency in childhood.

What causes CVID?

In fact, doctors still don't know exactly what causes the majority of CVID patients to develop this condition.

However, for about one in 10 people with CVID, the cause is hereditary. This means that the condition can be caused by a genetic mutation in your DNA . Simply put, you may have inherited the condition from your mother, father, or other family member.

CVID can also be caused by genetic defects in the immune system. These defects cause the body to produce very low levels of immunoglobulins, a type of protein that fights germs, and in particular, antibodies called immunoglobulin G (IgG). This weakens the immune system. Sometimes, this condition can develop later in life.

What are the symptoms of CVID?

The symptoms of CVID can vary from person to person. Some people have mild symptoms, while others can have very severe ones. It depends on how weak your immune system is.

The table below shows some of the most common symptoms of CVID.

How is CVID diagnosed?

When you tell your doctor about these symptoms, he or she may suspect CVID. To confirm the diagnosis, he or she will ask about your medical history and your family's medical history. Then, they will order some blood tests. These blood tests can check how low your body's antibodies are and how well your immune system is working.

Sometimes, your doctor may give you a vaccine for another disease and test to see if your body's antibody levels rise normally in response.

Is there a treatment for CVID?

There is no cure for CVID yet. But don't worry. You can manage the condition well, protect yourself from infections, and live a normal, healthy life.

The main treatment is immunoglobulin (IgG) replacement therapy . This involves giving the patient IgG antibodies, obtained from healthy blood donors. This increases the level of antibodies in your body and strengthens the immune system.

This treatment can be obtained in two ways:

1. IV method: As a saline solution given into a vein (IV) once a month.

2. Subcutaneous method: As an injection under the skin once a week or every two weeks.

Most people do not experience any significant side effects from this treatment. However, some may experience headaches or allergic reactions. Talk to your doctor to determine which treatment is best for you.

Additionally, if you have an infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medications to treat it.

Other complications that may occur due to CVID

Because the immune system does not work properly, people with CVID are at increased risk of developing other serious medical conditions.

• Autoimmune diseases: This is when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells. These can cause conditions such as `autoimmune hemolytic anemia` (destruction of healthy red blood cells), `rheumatoid arthritis` (arthritis), and `thrombocytopenia` (low blood platelets).
• Cancer: CVID increases the risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma or stomach cancer.
• Bronchiectasis: Frequent lung infections can damage the airways in the lungs and cause them to become permanently widened. This can lead to a persistent cough with mucus and make it difficult to clear the mucus.
• Granulomas: These are small lumps formed by the accumulation of white blood cells. They are most often seen in the lungs, skin, or other organs.

CVID, Common Variable Immunodeficiency, immunity, frequent illness, infections, antibodies, IgG therapy