According to a story from The Indian Express, early treatment and diagnosis of primary immunodeficiencies makes management of this group of disease much simpler as a whole. In children, the immune system provides a basic set of defenses for the health of the body. Most children become routinely, mildly ill to some extent. Viral infections such as coughs and colds, ear infections, stomach bugs, and so on are common illnesses that the body builds protection against following exposure. However, children with primary immunodeficiency may lack the standard set of immune capabilities, making them much more vulnerable to serious illness. Some patients go undiagnosed and some studies have suggested that as many as one in every 1,200 children have some form of the disease.
About Primary Immunodeficiency
Primary immunodeficiency describes a group of disorders which are characterized by some degree of dysfunction of the immune system. These diseases are generally the result of genetic abnormalities and are not the result of other conditions or external factors. In some cases, they may remain latent until a certain environmental trigger causes problems to appear. The symptoms of these disorders may vary considerably in severity and depend on the specific subtype. However, some symptoms may include chronic, persistent infections, developmental delays due to infection, dysfunction of certain organs, and increased vulnerability to autoimmune disorders or blood cancers such as lymphoma. Treatment of most types of primary immunodeficiency is symptomatic and supportive; patients may be told to take steps to avoid exposure to pathogens; medications to enhance immune function and fight infections are also used. To learn more about primary immunodeficiency, click here.
Early Intervention
Early diagnosis and treatment of primary immunodeficiency can make a big difference, and severe forms may cause problems in early childhood. A blood test can often allow a physician to determine if a child has a problem with their immune system. As for treatment, injections of immunoglobulins can help give the patient a much needed immune system boost. A bone marrow transplant can also be a worthwhile approach in severe cases and can allow patients to live relatively normal lives if successful.
