Immunodeficiency
If this sounds like you, you might have an immune disorder — often called an immunodeficiency. It’s also known as common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). This condition can cause you to catch every bug out there and create a bunch of other health problems, too. It can also make your illnesses last way too long. Our immunology team knows that you’re probably ready to not be sick all the time. Who wouldn’t be?
At Cleveland Clinic, we’re experts at diagnosing and treating immunodeficiencies. And we’ll stick by your side to help you manage your condition, so you can put all those nasty bugs at bay and start living a healthy life.
Why Choose Cleveland Clinic for Immunodeficiency Care?
Specialized knowledge:
There are hundreds of immunodeficiency disorders. Our team is specially trained to diagnose and treat all types of these conditions. We have the experience and tools to find out what’s causing your specific immunodeficiency and design a treatment plan that matches your needs. Meet our team.
Comprehensive treatment:
We can treat your short-term flare-ups and prevent illness. And we can help you manage your long-term immune disorders, no matter how many you have or what causes them.
Collaborative care:
Cleveland Clinic has the experts you need, like allergists/immunologists, oncologists, endocrinologists, genetic counselors and more. These providers work together to coordinate your care, so all your bases are covered, and everything is as convenient as possible for you.
Caring approach:
Our team knows that an immunodeficiency disorder can affect your whole life, sometimes causing anxiety and stress. Our compassionate and supportive providers will listen to you and help you cope and thrive, both physically and emotionally.
Virtual visits:
There may be some days you just don’t feel like leaving the comfort of your sofa or favorite chair to drive to your provider’s office. Not to worry. Virtual visits give you the option of staying home and still getting great care. All you need is an internet connection and a smartphone, tablet or computer.
National recognition
Cleveland Clinic is a trusted healthcare leader. We’re recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for our expertise and care.
Diagnosing Immunodeficiency at Cleveland Clinic
Immunodeficiency is a complicated group of hundreds of disorders with many possible causes.
These disorders can be primary or secondary.
Primary immunodeficiency is a genetic (you’re born with it) condition. But you may not know you have it until later in life. Secondary immunodeficiency comes from things like medications or other health conditions like cancer, malnutrition or HIV.
It’s important we correctly diagnose your type of immunodeficiency so we can find the right treatment for you. Our experts will talk with you about your personal and family health history. We’ll also review what medications you’ve taken in the past for this condition.
Next, we’ll do a physical exam and order detailed blood tests to find infection-fighting proteins, immune cells and genetic mutations (cell changes). When necessary, we’ll also do skin tests or a skin biopsy.
Meet Our Immunodeficiency Team
Immunodeficiency can affect many areas of your body and can sometimes impact you emotionally, too. That’s why your care team may include providers from different specialties. These experts combine their knowledge and skills to make sure you get the right diagnosis and treatment for your specific needs. Your team may include:
Providers Who Treat Immunodeficiency
Locations
Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio and Florida.Treating Immunodeficiency at Cleveland Clinic
We’ll use the information we get from our conversations, physical exam and tests to create a personalized treatment plan for you. We want to help prevent chronic (lifelong), repeat infections and help you avoid life-threatening illnesses and complications.
Having an immunodeficiency means you can also be at risk for other conditions, too. So, we’ll keep an eye out for any damage to your heart, lungs, and nervous and digestive systems. You might also have a greater risk of cancers like lymphoma.
Medical treatments
Your treatment plan will depend on the type of immunodeficiency disorder you have and how it affects you. We’ll work with you to make shared decisions about your goals and personal preferences.
Medical treatments may include:
- Antibiotics to fight bacterial infections.
- Antifungals to prevent infections from funguses.
- Antivirals to combat viruses.
- Enzyme-replacement therapy to provide important enzymes that are low and missing from your body.
- Gene therapy, which removes cells from your body, fixes genes that have mutated (changed) and replaces them back into your body through an injection (shot).
- Immune globulin injections to strengthen your immune system.
- Thymus transplant, a surgery that gives you a new thymus gland so your body can make new immune cells (T-cells).
Education and lifestyle changes
You can also improve your health with simple lifestyle changes. Our providers will teach you about ways to prevent infections. You’ll learn about good physical and dental hygiene, healthy eating habits and the best way to prepare your food. They’ll also talk about the importance of physical activity, getting enough sleep, managing stress and keeping up with your vaccinations. These changes can make a difference in how you feel.
Counseling and support
Most people with an immunodeficiency can live full, productive lives. But the disorder can also create emotional challenges. Your long-term care plan will also help you cope with the daily ups and downs, like stress and anxiety.
You can also schedule one-on-one counseling with a therapist. Or you can connect with others who live with immunodeficiency through one of our support groups. And if your family has a genetic mutation that makes immunodeficiency likely, our genetic counselors can talk with you about genetic testing and pregnancy planning.
Taking the Next Step
Your immunodeficiency doesn’t have to keep you from doing the things you love. With the right treatment and maintenance plan, you don’t always have to feel sick and tired. Cleveland Clinic providers are here to help you get control of your immune system once again. You shouldn’t have to miss out on life’s big — and little — moments.
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