Home Remedies and Herbs for Immunodeficiency Disorders

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions that involve the body’s immune system being reduced or absent. This causes the person to become more susceptible to developing infections, autoimmune disorders, lymphomas and other cancer types. People with immunodeficiency disorders also cannot adequately fight infections because their immune systems aren’t able to respond appropriately.^{1 2 3}

Immunodeficiency disorders can be either congenital (from birth) or acquired. When they are congenital, they are referred to as primary immunodeficiency disorders. When they are acquired, they are referred to as secondary immunodeficiency disorders. Secondary immunodeficiency disorders are thought to be much more common.³

What Causes Immunodeficiency Disorders?

Immunodeficiency disorder causes depend on whether the condition is primary or secondary. Here are the immunodeficiency disorder causes for each type:^{1 2 3}

• Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders - Caused by genetics. People with primary immunodeficiency disorders are born with them. Their genetics affect parts of their immune system, including T-cells, B-cells or even both. People with these types of immunodeficiency disorders do not produce any or enough antibodies required to protect the body from infection and disease.
• Secondary Immunodeficiency Disorders - Caused by outside factors other than birth. HIV, diabetes and other systemic disorders can impede the immune system. Chronic and severe illnesses can also weaken the immune system. Undergoing immunosuppressive treatments like chemotherapy can also lead to secondary immunodeficiency disorders.

There are many types of primary and secondary immunodeficiency disorders. These types are based on which parts of the immune system are not working properly. As a result these cause different immunodeficiency disorder symptoms.

Immunodeficiency Disorders Symptoms

Immunodeficiency disorder symptoms depend on which parts of the immune system are affected and from what (birth or another cause). But the most common sign of any immunodeficiency disorder is the increased and continued susceptibility to developing infections. Here are some common immunodeficiency disorder symptoms:^{1 2}

• Recurrent infections like pneumonia, bronchitis and ear, sinus or skin infections
• Inflammation in internal organs
• Recurrent candidiasis (yeast infections)
• Blood disorders such as anemia
• Chronic digestive problems like nausea, diarrhea, cramping and loss of appetite
• Developing autoimmune disorders like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

References

1. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000818.htm
2. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/immunodeficiency-disorders
3. https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/immunology-allergic-disorders/immunodeficiency-disorders/overview-of-immunodeficiency-disorders