Key Takeaways
Adult immune deficiencies may be inherited or developed later in life, often due to illness, medications, or medical treatments. Warning signs commonly include frequent, severe, or slow-healing infections.
Autoimmune conditions or ongoing inflammation can sometimes signal that the immune system is not functioning properly and may need further evaluation.
Diagnosis involves specialized blood testing to assess immune function, and early treatment can reduce infections, prevent complications, and improve quality of life.
Recurrent Infections & Immune System Evaluation in Houston
If you frequently experience infections that are severe, slow to resolve, or unusually recurrent, your immune system may not be functioning properly.
Adult immune deficiency occurs when the immune system is unable to effectively defend against bacteria, viruses, or fungi. These conditions may be genetic (primary) or develop later in life due to medications, chronic illness, or cancer (secondary).
At CLS Health, our Houston-area allergy and immunology specialists provides comprehensive immune evaluations for adults experiencing persistent infections or immune dysregulation.
What Is Adult Immune Deficiency?
Adult immune deficiency occurs when the immune system cannot effectively fight infections.
It may present as:
- Recurrent sinus or lung infections
- Frequent pneumonia
- Infections requiring hospitalization
- Poor vaccine response
Immune deficiencies fall into two categories:
Primary Immunodeficiency
Genetic disorders present from birth, though symptoms may not appear until adulthood.
Secondary (Acquired) Immunodeficiency
More common. Caused by:
- Immunosuppressive medications
- HIV or chronic viral infections
- Cancer or chemotherapy
- Diabetes or chronic organ disease
- Malnutrition
Signs You May Need an Immune Evaluation
You should consider evaluation if you have:
- Two or more serious sinus infections per year
- Two or more pneumonias at any time
- Chronic bronchitis
- Recurrent fungal or unusual infections
- Infections that don’t fully resolve
- Enlarged lymph nodes or spleen
- Autoimmune disease with recurrent infections
Persistent patterns matter more than isolated illnesses.
Common Types of Adult Immune Deficiencies
Primary Immune Disorders
Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID)
Low antibody levels leading to recurrent respiratory infections and possible autoimmune complications.
Selective IgA Deficiency
Low IgA antibodies. Some patients are asymptomatic; others develop sinus or respiratory infections.
Specific Antibody Deficiency
Normal immunoglobulin levels but poor response to certain bacteria.
Secondary Immune Deficiency Causes
Most adult immune problems are acquired. Common contributors include:
- Long-term steroid use
- Biologic medications (e.g., rituximab)
- Chemotherapy
- Leukemia or lymphoma
- HIV infection
- Chronic kidney or liver disease
- Poorly controlled diabetes
Secondary forms may improve if the underlying cause is treated.
How Adult Immune Deficiency Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis involves a structured evaluation by an allergist/immunologist.
Step 1: Medical History
We review:
- Infection frequency and severity
- Medication use
- Family history
- Underlying medical conditions
Step 2: Physical Examination
Looking for:
- Chronic infection signs
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Signs of autoimmune disease
Step 3: Laboratory Testing
Initial tests may include:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA, IgM)
- Vaccine antibody titers
- HIV testing
Advanced testing may evaluate:
- T-cell and B-cell counts
- Complement function
- Genetic testing (if primary immunodeficiency suspected)
Treatment Options for Adult Immune Deficiency
Treatment depends on the cause and severity.
Treating Secondary Causes
When possible, we address the underlying issue:
- Adjusting immunosuppressive medications
- Treating HIV
- Managing cancer or chronic disease
- Improving nutrition
Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy
For antibody deficiencies such as CVID:
- IVIg (intravenous infusions)
- SCIg (at-home subcutaneous therapy)
This therapy significantly reduces infection frequency.
Infection Prevention Strategies
- Prophylactic antibiotics when appropriate
- Personalized vaccination plans
- Early treatment of infections
Adult Immune Deficiency Care in Houston
CLS Health provides immune evaluations and ongoing management for patients in:
Our board-certified allergists and immunologists coordinate care with infectious disease specialists, pulmonologists, and primary care providers when needed.
Early diagnosis can prevent long-term complications such as bronchiectasis, chronic sinus disease, and organ damage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Immune Deficiency
Immune deficiency may be genetic or acquired. The most common adult causes include immunosuppressive medications, cancer, HIV infection, chronic illness, and antibody production disorders such as CVID.
Warning signs include frequent infections, repeated pneumonia, infections requiring hospitalization, and poor response to vaccines.
Primary immunodeficiencies are lifelong but manageable. Secondary immune deficiencies may improve if the underlying cause is treated.
Some primary immune deficiencies increase the risk of lymphoma and certain cancers. Proper monitoring reduces long-term risk.
Yes. Vaccination plans must be individualized. Some live vaccines may not be appropriate depending on your immune status.
When to Schedule an Immune Evaluation
You do not need to “wait it out” if infections are persistent or worsening.
An evaluation can:
- Clarify why infections keep recurring
- Identify treatable causes
- Prevent long-term organ damage
- Improve quality of life
Schedule an Immune System Evaluation in Houston
Frequent or severe infections aren’t something you should ignore. At CLS Health, our specialists provide comprehensive immune system evaluations to identify the underlying cause and create a personalized treatment plan.
Early diagnosis can reduce complications, prevent long-term damage, and help you regain confidence in your health. Book an appointment with an Allergy & Immunology specialist.