An Immune Deficiency Disease

An immune deficiency disease meets when the immune system is not working properly. Common Variable Immunodeficiency is one of the most primary immunodeficiency disorders which leaves the immune system unable to protect against bacteria and viruses. It leads to severe and recurrent infections primarily affecting the sinuses, ears, and respiratory tract. CVID can be diagnosed anytime from childhood through adulthood. An accurate diagnosis can be made through screening tests that measure the quantity of B cells in the blood or immunoglobulin levels. Constant damage to the respiratory tract may occur due to severe and repeated infections.

Despite the fact that genetic mutations that lead to CVID have been identified, the exact cause and genetic inheritance pattern of CVID is unknown in the majority of cases. Both females and males are affected. It is one of the most common forms of primary immunodeficiency diseases, and the severity of symptoms varies from one person with the disease to another.

CVID can be associated with autoimmune disorders that affect other blood cells causing low numbers of platelets or white cells, anemia and other conditions such as arthritis or endocrine disorders. Gastrointestinal problems including chronic diarrhea, nausea, weight loss, vomiting and abdominal pain can also be present. In some forms of CVID, patients develop granulomas in the lymph nodes, lungs, skin, liver or other organs.

People with CVID are also at an increased risk for certain cancers, gastrointestinal and lymphoid cancers primarily.
Treatment for CVID involves preventative antibiotics and immunoglobulin replacement, which most often relieves symptoms. IRT treatments are life-long and must be given regularly.