Allergy and Immunology Services

Immunodeficiency Disorders

Immunodeficiency disorders occur when the body has difficulty defending against certain illnesses. In turn, this can cause the patient to acquire frequent infections that can easily worsen. There are two kinds of immunodeficiency disorders:

• Primary immunodeficiencies: This is when the disorder develops at birth. Primary immunodeficiency cases are typically hereditary and are rare.
• Secondary immunodeficiencies: This is when the disorder presents itself later in one’s life. It usually occurs after contracting a serious illness that impacts the immune system, such as HIV or AIDs.

Severe Combined Immunodeficiency

Severe combined immunodeficiency is a type of immune disorder that develops at birth. Because this disease decreases the body’s ability to fight against infections, individuals with this illness frequently become sick from common bacteria in the environment. Severe combined immunodeficiency patients typically catch a variety of viruses throughout their lives.

Cancer

Cancer is a condition that causes the body to create harmful, cancerous cells in various body parts. When a patient develops cancer, these cells can attack the immune system, hindering its ability to protect against other viruses and illnesses. In addition, some medications taken for cancerous conditions can cause an immune disorder to occur.

Immunology And Allergies

Allergies are a part of immunology that causes the body to react to certain foods or substances. They also can develop through allergens, insect stings, medications, or materials such as latex. The most common allergies come from ingesting foods such as peanuts or particles such as pollen. Allergies stem from the immune system, which can overreact to fight off elements that are typically non-threatening. This is because the body believes a dangerous element is entering the body. In turn, this can impact a patient’s skin, airways, sinuses, and body tissues, and can cause gastroenterology issues.

Allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some patients may only need medications to control mild symptoms, while others may experience more life-threatening situations. Mild allergy symptoms typically consist of:

• Swollen or watery eyes
• Excess sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itching in the mouth, nose, or eyes

If a person has severe allergies, they may notice harsher symptoms, such as:

• Tingling
• Hives
• Swelling
• Itching
• Shortness of breath
• Rash
• Wheezing
• Reddening or peeling skin

The most severe symptom of an allergic reaction is anaphylaxis, which can cause the body to go into shock after eating certain foods or being stung by an insect. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Vomiting or nausea
• Loss of consciousness
• Weak or quick pulse
• Decreased blood pressure
• Lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Rash

Other Kinds Of Allergies

Allergies can present themselves in many ways. While some come from foods, insect stings, and other circumstances, others may develop in the form of asthma. Asthma occurs when the body becomes sensitive to certain substances in the air, stemming from an overactive immune system. This can include pollen, dust, tobacco smoke, or other inhalants. When an asthma patient inhales these elements, this can cause the throat and airways to become inflamed. Other symptoms of asthma include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing
• Wheezing

In addition, some allergies can affect patients through other disorders, such as dermatology conditions such as eczema or allergic rhinitis.

Seek Immune Disorder Treatment At Memorial Healthcare

Symptoms of immune disorders and allergies can be debilitating to endure. This makes it important to receive a proper diagnosis and care for your condition. With a dedication to providing compassionate treatment and care, our physicians can aid in treating a variety of allergy and immune disorders. These include:

• Immune deficiencies
• Asthma
• Eczema
• Allergies
• Hives
• Anaphylaxis
• Nasal allergies
• Chronic sinusitis
• Allergic rhinitis

By implementing a comprehensive treatment plan, our team can assist those in Michigan who require care for their immune disorder. To learn more about our allergy and immunology services, contact us at Memorial Healthcare today.