Immunodeficiency disorders Health Article

Expectations (prognosis)

Some immunodeficiency disorders are mild and result in occasional illness. Others are severe and may be fatal. Immunosuppression that results from medications is often reversible once the medication is stopped.

Complications

• Disease development
• Frequent or persistent illness
• Increased risk for certain cancers or tumors
• Opportunistic infections

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider immediately if you are on chemotherapy or corticosteroids (such as prednisone, Medrol, or Decadron) and you develop a fever greater than 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or have cough with shortness of breath.

Go to the emergency room if you have a stiff neck and headache with the fever.

Contact your health care provider if you have recurrent yeast infections or oral thrush.

Prevention

There is no known prevention for congenital immunodeficiency disorders. Safe sex practices and avoiding the sharing of body fluids may help to prevent HIV infection and AIDS. Good nutrition may prevent acquired immunodeficiency caused by malnutrition.

References

Bonilla FA, Bernstein IL, Khan DA, et al. Practice parameter for the diagnosis and management of primary immunodeficiency. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2005 May;94(5 Suppl 1):S1-63.