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Our Board-Certified Allergist create customized treatment plans for each patient.
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Immune Deficiency Disorder Treatments
Our Atlanta Allergists Can Create Customized Treatment Plans
The body’s immune system is made up of lymphoid tissue, which can be found in the lymph nodes, tonsils, bone marrow, and parts of the spleen and the gastrointestinal system. A healthy, functioning immune system protects your body from harmful substances, known as antigens. Some of the most common antigens include bacteria, viruses, environmental toxins, and cancerous cells.
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If you suffer from an immune deficiency disorder, your body cannot produce enough antibodies to fight the antigens, putting you at risk for further illness or infection.
What Causes Immune Deficiency Disorders?
Immune deficiency disorders typically fall into two main categories: inherited and acquired.
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Inherited immunodeficiency disorders often occur when the body doesn’t produce enough antibodies, or when white blood cells, known as T or B lymphocytes, don’t function properly.
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Acquired immunodeficiency disorders can occur as a result of certain diseases or conditions, such as complement deficiencies, malnutrition, cancer, or HIV infection.
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The most common immune deficiency in adults is common variable immune deficiency which occurs for unknown reasons, more commonly in patients with allergies. It is characterized by a lack the most common antibody that fights infection, IgG. It is easily treated by administering replacement immune globulin (IgG) on a regular basis.
What Are the Symptoms of an Immune Deficiency Disorder?
Although symptoms can vary depending on the nature of the immunodeficiency disorder, some of the most common signs include:
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Recurring or persistent infections, such as bronchitis, sinus infections, or ear infections
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Slow or poor response to treatment for common infections
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Delayed or incomplete recovery from sickness
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Certain types of infections, including pneumonia or repeated yeast infections
Diagnosis and Treatment of Immunodeficiency Disorders
In order to determine whether or not you suffer from an immune deficiency disorder, the board-certified physicians at the Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia typically perform tests that measure the following indicators:
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Immunoglobin levels in the blood
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White blood cell and/or lymphocyte counts
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Complement levels in the blood
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Protein electrophoresis
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Once our doctors have determined that you have a weakened immune system, the next step is to develop a treatment plan that prevents infection and addresses and diseases that may occur. In order to manage existing infections, we may recommend antibiotics and over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatories.
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To help bolster the immune system, our doctors may recommend treatment techniques such as immunoglobin therapy, gamma interferon therapy, or growth factors. The specified plan of treatment will depend largely on your individual symptoms.
Immunotherapy Can Bring Relief to Your Sinus Problems
Our allergy shot (immunotherapy) program can provide you with lasting relief from sinus infections, year-round and seasonal allergies, and reduce problems related to allergic asthma. Immunotherapy can be highly advantageous for relieving some of the worst symptoms related to your allergies, including sinus problems.
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Our patients can expect to experience an 80-90% reduction in:
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Sinus infections
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Allergy symptoms--year-round and seasonal
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Sick visits for allergic illnesses
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Missed work or school
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Asthma problems and need for medications
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How is this possible? Immunotherapy gradually introduces the allergens into your system, acting almost like a vaccination. You and your allergist will work out a schedule to receive your shots, which may depend on how your body responds to treatment. Ultimately, the goal is to get your body used to the allergen that you will no longer be affected by it if you come into contact or breathe in the allergen in the future. If you are interested in seeing how well immunotherapy can work for you, contact our office to schedule an appointment.
Allergy, Asthma & Sinus, LLC
Kennesaw/Acworth Office
1690 Stone Village Lane, Suite 1001
Kennesaw, Georgia 30152
Allergy, Asthma & Sinus, LLC
Cartersville Office
16 Collins Dr,
Cartersville, Georgia 30120