Primary Immunodeficiency is not an autoimmune disorder or secondary immunodeficiency.

There are over 350 types of Primary Immunodeficiency-PI. The disorders in PI are all different, the only similarity is that they cause the immune system to not work correctly thus making it very difficult to fight and get rid of any type of infections. Thus, making them recurs, again, many times.

The most common type of PI has selective IgA deficiency. The most common variable in this deficiency is the common variable immune deficiency (CVID), severe combined immune deficiency (SCID), and X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA).

In secondary immunodeficiency, other factors cause the immune system to not work right. This can be a medical condition or medical treatment like chemotherapy. The most common type of secondary immunodeficiency is acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is caused because of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Primary immunodeficiency is not contagious; it is caused by an error in the genes.

Primary immunodeficiency diseases are very common. The PI awareness has grown and more people are being diagnosed. It is estimated that over a quarter of a million people in the country are diagnosed with Primary Immunodeficiency.

Being susceptible to common infections even without being infected with PI can get sick more often. It is a condition that has varying symptoms. PI takes over 12 years to diagnose or the symptoms to begin.

The doctor asks for family history and a physical exam. Blood tests are conducted to check if the immune system is working properly, antibodies and the blood cells.

These tests confirm if the PI diagnosis and the type of PI you have.

Treating Primary Immunodeficiency is important and not treating will lead o infections recurring, leading to damage of the lungs, and ears. Talk to your doctor for the best treatment.

Symptoms may differ from person to person depending on the type of PI disorder. These can include –

• Autoimmune disorders type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus
• Delay in development and growth
• Digestive problems like diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite
• Blood disorder like anemia, and low platelet counts
• Infection of internal organs and inflammation
• Frequent skin infections, ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus, or meningitis.

Many of the Primary Immunodeficiency disorders are caused due to being inherited genetically from one of the parents, or both. The genetic code is the blueprint to produce cells in the body and cause many of the defects.

Over 300 primary immunodeficiency disorders have been identified and more are being found. They are classed into six groups based on the part that is affected by the immune system –

• Unknown deficiency
• Complement deficiency
• Defective phagocytes
• Combined B and T cell deficiency
• T cell deficiency
• B cell deficiency

A family history of Primary Immunodeficiency increases your risk of having this condition. If you have this condition then you need genetic advice.

Complications are caused by PI may vary, depending on the type of infection you have. These can include serious infection, risk of cancer, slow growth, damage to heart, lungs, nervous system, autoimmune disorders, recurrent infections, and death.

Primary Immunodeficiency cannot be prevented as it is a genetic defect. If your child’s immune system is weak you can take precautions to prevent infection:

• Wash your hands after using the toilet and before eating
• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet to prevent infections
• Be active and stay fit
• Get enough sleep, sleep and get up at the same time
• Manage stress with the help of hobbies, biofeedback, yoga, meditation, and massage
• Avoid exposure to infections by avoiding crowds
• Ask about vaccinations