What are recurrent infections?
For people with certain primary immunodeficiency disorders, recurrent infections can be a constant health concern. These most commonly include infections of the ears, sinuses, lungs, or skin. If left untreated, this can lead to severe illness and hospitalization.
Causes of recurrent infections:
The main cause for recurrent infections is from immunodeficiencies. Primary immunodeficiency disorders are conditions due to defects in the body’s immune system, allowing infections and other health problems to occur more easily. Most immunodeficiencies are genetic but may not become apparent or diagnosed until later in childhood or adulthood.
Symptoms of Recurrent Infections
The type of recurrent infections may vary, but some common infections include:
- Sinusitis (sinus infection)
- Ear infection
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Meningitis
- Yeast infections
- Bone or joint infections
- Urinary tract infections (UTI)
- Ocular infections
- Skin infections
- Gastrointestinal infections
While a primary immunodeficiency can be the contributing factor to recurrent infections, it can also be accompanied by other conditions like asthma, allergies, secondary immunodeficiencies, or other underlying conditions that make someone more susceptible to developing infections.
Diagnosis and Treatment
When getting an evaluation for recurrent infections, your provider will take a detailed medical history discuss current symptoms, perform a physical exam, and consider what additional work up may be indicated. Blood tests can look at specific aspects of your immune system. Skin testing or other evaluation into other underlying causes may be pertinent. It is important to have this evaluation through a board-certified allergist/immunologist.
If you are found to have an immunodeficiency disorder as a cause for your recurrent infections, the most common treatments for immunodeficiency include preventing and treating infections, boosting the immune system, and treating the underlying causes.
- Treating infections – some infections require rapid and aggressive treatment with antibiotics. This may require a longer course than prescribed depending on the infection.
- Preventing infections – long-term antibiotics can be a strategy to prevent respiratory infections and permanent damage to the lungs and ears.
- Immunoglobulin therapy – Immunoglobulin replacement therapy contains proteins that your immune system uses to fight infections (immunoglobulins and antibodies). Replenishing these back to a normal level can help prevent further infections. Immunoglobulin replacement can be done in the vein (IV) or under the skin (subcutaneous).
- Treating underlying causes – in some cases transplant or gene therapy is needed. These are targeted toward the specific immune defect.
Prevention of Recurrent Infections
Although recurrent infections are not always preventable, there are certain things you can do to help prevent infection:
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Exercise
- Sleep
- Take a multivitamin
- Use hand sanitizer and wash your hands often.
- Stay up to date on vaccines, especially pneumonia shots and flu shots.
If you experience recurrent infections, it is important to undergo evaluation with a board-certified allergist/immunologist. Call the Iowa Clinic Allergy department at 515.875.9450 or schedule an appointment online.
