A guide to immunodeficiency disorders in Florida
Immunodeficiency disorders in Florida are more common than you might think. It is estimated that one in every 1,200-2,000 people has a form of primary immunodeficiency. Immunodeficiency disorders weaken the immune system and allow infections and other health issues to occur more often. These disorders can be hard to spot and treat and many go undiagnosed.
Drug use and long-lasting serious disorders (such as cancer) usually cause immunodeficiency disorders but they are occasionally inherited. With these disorders, people usually experience frequent, unusual, or unusually severe or prolonged infections and may develop an autoimmune disorder or cancer.
Autoimmune disorders are sometimes passed down genetically and can affect immunodeficiency. We utilize high-quality lab testing to detect autoimmune disorders and provide herbal prescriptions to treat them. Other ways to treat autoimmune disorders include taking preventative measures to reduce your risk of health problems by engaging in holistic health practices like good hygiene, a healthy diet, and self-care.
An immunodeficiency happens when your immune system doesn’t adequately respond to infection, which may make you immunocompromised. People can also suffer from the opposite condition, an overactive immune system that attacks healthy cells as though they were foreign bodies. That is called an autoimmune response.
Autoimmune disorders have a complex genetic basis; multiple genes contribute to disease risk, each with generally modest effects independently. Also, it is now clear that common genes underlie multiple autoimmune disorders.
People across the globe experience immunodeficiency disorders. The presence of people with immunodeficiency in Florida is no different, but holistic health treatments are available to lessen the impacts. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, patients can avoid frequent infection and live long, healthy lives. Our laboratories utilize the most advanced technology to provide the highest quality lab testing that diagnoses autoimmune disorders and immunodeficiencies. We also prescribe herbal formulas to treat you from the inside out.
Here is what you should know about immunodeficiency disorders, along with the signs that it's time to take proactive steps to address the issue.
Key takeaways:
An immunodeficient person’s immune system is weakened, which allows infections and other health issues to happen more often.
Immune system disorders are sometimes genetic.
Functional medicine can benefit those with immune disorders by addressing their unique genetics.
Holistic health techniques like acupuncture and medical massage help lessen the impacts of a weakened system.
What are immunodeficiency disorders?
Immunodeficiency disorders also called Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (PIDD), or primary immunodeficiency disorders, weaken the immune system, making it unable to function properly and more susceptible to infections and other issues. People who deal with this disorder have lowered immune-defense mechanisms.
Those that are immunocompromised must be extra cautious when it comes to germs, bacteria, virus, and parasite exposure since their immune system is weakened and so is their ability to fight off illness, such as COVID-19. They are more susceptible to illnesses and infections of the respiratory system or internal organ systems. Certain conditions, like autoimmune diseases (i.e. lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Type 1 diabetes), your age, and a history of smoking could increase the risk of infection. Medical treatments, such as cancer treatments and organ and bone marrow transplants, can also suppress the immune system.
The severity of immunodeficiency can be mild to severe and often goes unnoticed until the immune system is unable to support the body to heal from relatively common problems, like a cold. If you’re immunocompromised, it’s especially important to protect yourself by wearing a face covering or mask, washing your hands, frequently disinfecting high-touch surfaces, and practicing social distancing.
Considering that many cases of PIDD are undiagnosed, a few indications of possible immunodeficiency disorders are infections that are frequent and persistent. Often, those experiencing immunodeficiency disorders face viruses that last longer than normal and are hard to treat. These individuals tend to get certain issues more often.
Immunocompromised individuals commonly contract:
bronchitis
ear infections
internal organ infections
meningitis
sinus infection
skin infections
Other health concerns or risks for those with immune deficiency include:
anemia
blood disorders or low platelet counts
diarrhea
digestive problems
nausea
If you think you may be suffering from PIDD or a compromised immune system, it’s a good idea to work with one of our holistic health physicians. Our practitioners can determine the root causes of immunodeficiencies through DNA testing and other laboratory tests as well as evaluate your medical health history. They are also able to create a treatment plan so you can easily manage and improve your immune system.
Types of immunodeficiency disorders
Immunodeficiency disorders present with a variety of long-term health concerns. Some examples of immunodeficiency disorders include:
X-linked agammaglobulinemia
Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID)
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)
DiGeorge syndrome
Bruton’s disease
Selective deficiency of IgA
Combined immunodeficiency disease
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases lists more.
What causes immune deficiency?
Currently, there are over 80 primary immunodeficiencies recognized by the World Health Organization. Most of these disorders present in childhood but can manifest later. These disorders are classified into six types, based on the part of the immune system that is not functioning properly.
These are the six types of genetically-produced PIDD:
B cell deficiencies
T cell deficiencies
B & T cell deficiencies
Complement deficiencies
Defective phagocytes
Idiopathic
Most cases of PIDD are inherited due to mutations in the genetic code in which defects in the DNA are passed on from parent to child. These vary from antibody deficiency to cell type deficiencies and unfortunately some types are still unknown.
How can functional medicine identify an immunodeficiency disorder?
Functional Medicine is a science-based approach to healthcare that uses advanced laboratory testing to analyze the genetic predispositions that influence your health. That’s why functional medicine is so effective in supporting immunodeficiency disorders. Physicians review a patient’s test results and assess their biological makeup and nutritional balance. This information will be used to make recommendations of how one can achieve optimum health, despite an immunocompromised system.
A holistic approach to health considers more than just the treatment of symptoms but rather a whole-body cure. Holistic physicians consider a person’s diet and nutrition, exercise, sleep patterns, hygiene, and overall lifestyle to determine the hurdles they may face through immunodeficiency. This approach ensures long-term health and well-being and not just temporary relief.
Holistic healing techniques to treat immunodeficiency disorders
Holistic healing techniques for those suffering from immunodeficiency in Florida include:
acupuncture
herbs, supplements
auricular therapy
injections
nutritional counseling
You or your consulting physician can include holistic health treatments in your journey to optimum health like cupping, medical massage, or homeopathy.
These treatments can help those experiencing PIDD or other immunodeficiencies in Florida by working with the internal body system. These treatments support the body’s ability to re-establish its own well-being and reduce the possibility of contracting infections.
Managing your immunodeficiency disorder
There are many Floridians who suffer from recurring symptoms and long-lasting infections that are not being identified as immunocompromised. Our holistic approach at EACUWell will help you determine if you have an immunodeficiency disorder. Then, one of our physicians will develop a treatment plan to help you better manage your health.
If you are experiencing symptoms of immunodeficiency disorders, our physicians are ready to help you. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.
