What is Functional Immunodeficiency?
Functional immunodeficiency is a condition where the immune system has all the necessary components—like white blood cells and antibodies—but they don’t work properly. This means the body may struggle to fight off infections, even though it has a normal number of immune cells.
It can be either inherited (primary) or acquired (secondary) due to illness, medications, or lifestyle factors.
What causes Functional Immunodeficiency?
There are several causes, and they can be grouped into two categories:
1. Primary (genetic or inherited) causes:
- Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID)
- Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD)
- Selective IgA deficiency
2. Secondary (acquired) causes:
- Long-term use of immunosuppressive medications (like steroids or chemotherapy)
- HIV/AIDS
- Malnutrition
- Certain cancers (especially blood cancers)
- Chronic diseases like diabetes or kidney failure
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can vary but often include:
- Frequent or recurring infections (ear, sinus, lung, skin, etc.)
- Slow healing of wounds
- Unusual or severe infections
- Fatigue and weakness
- Autoimmune symptoms, like joint pain or inflammation
- Gastrointestinal issues (e.g., chronic diarrhea)
In children, poor growth and frequent infections may be early signs.
How is Functional Immunodeficiency diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a combination of:
- Medical history and symptom review
- Blood tests to check levels and function of immune cells (e.g., white blood cells, immunoglobulins)
- Vaccine response tests – to see how the immune system reacts to vaccines
- Genetic testing – especially in suspected inherited cases
An immunologist (immune system specialist) often leads the diagnosis and care plan.
What are the treatment options?
Treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause:
- Antibiotics or antifungal medications – to treat or prevent infections
- Immunoglobulin (IVIG or SCIG) therapy – regular infusions of antibodies for those who don’t make enough
- Vaccinations – may help prevent common infections, though some vaccines may be avoided in certain cases
- Nutritional support – to strengthen the immune response
- Management of underlying conditions – like stopping immunosuppressive drugs when possible or treating chronic diseases
Early and consistent treatment can greatly improve quality of life.
When should you see a doctor?
Talk to your doctor if you or your child:
- Have frequent infections or infections that are unusually severe
- Have a family history of immune disorders
- Experience poor healing or fatigue without clear reason
- Are on long-term immune-suppressing medication
Early evaluation can help prevent complications.
What is the outlook?
With appropriate care, many people with functional immunodeficiency can live healthy and active lives. Timely diagnosis, regular monitoring, and infection control are key to managing the condition effectively.