Primary immunodeficiency disorders are caused by a weak or impaired immune system. Some cases are caused by genetic disorders where a person is born without important aspects of the immune system. Cases can be so mild that they go unnoticed for years. Other disorders are severe enough that they are discovered soon after birth.
Frequent/Recurrent Infections
Chronic bronchitis, ear, sinus, and kidney infections can all be indicators of primary immune disorders. Weakened and impaired immune systems disrupt the entire body. Infections can range from mild to severe, depending on the person and how fragile his immune system is.
Blood Infections
Blood infections are systemic and usually only occur after the immune system has been compromised by infections in other parts of the body. Infected wounds that are allowed to go untreated can lead to severe blood and tissue infections such as gangrene.
Inflammation
Inflammation of internal organs, such as the liver, pancreas and spleen can be a symptom of primary immune deficiency. Mononucleosis and other viral infections can be severe enough to cause inflammation of the liver and spleen.
Auto Immune Disorders
Auto immune disorders such as diabetes can break down the immune system. They decrease circulation and can slow down the healing process so that some wounds may eventually become abscessed.
Blood Disorders
Chronic anemia may be an indicator for primary immune disorders. Anemia is a lack of iron in the blood. Excessive bleeding from menstruation or internal bleeding caused by ulcers or lesions can also cause anemia.
Digestive Problems
Chronic cases of diarrhea and vomiting can by symptoms of primary immune deficiency. Not only can vomiting dehydrate the body, but it can also get rid of nutrients the body needs to function efficiently.
Delayed Growth & Development
When infants don't grow and respond normally, it may be a sign of a primary immune disorder. When these developmental markers are not met, doctors usually will check into the family history to see if there is a primary immune disorder that could be causing a delay in growth.
Genetic Factors
A faulty gene from one or both parents may be the cause of primary immune disorders in children. This can not only slow growth and development, but may leave the child susceptible to infection. Recurring infections can damage hearing, eyesight or other bodily functions if not treated and prevented.
Abscessed Wounds
The immune system not only fights illnesses caused by bacteria and viruses, it also helps wounds to heal. People with primary immune defiency have trouble fighting off infections that occur in or near wounds. When these wounds are left untreated, the infection travel deep into the tissue and eventually into the blood stream, causing systemic disease.
Ineffective Antiobotic Use
If a person has been on an antibiotic for more than seven ten days with no signs of improvement this is a red flag that says something is wrong on a much deeper level. The infection may be too severe to be adequately helped by the antibiotics or the immune system itself is compromised to the point that more drastic measures need to be taken.
