Frequent infections - Recurrent sinusitis, pneumonia, or other respiratory infections

Patients who get recurrent sinusitis, bronchitis or other respiratory infections may benefit from an allergy-immunology evaluation. Allergies, sinusitis or an immune deficiency can be at the cause for your recurrent symptoms.

When should I worry about my frequent infections?

For adults, an allergy-immunology evaluation is recommended if you have been prescribed 2 or more courses of antibiotic treatment per year; however, for children, an evaluation is recommended if they have been prescribed 4 or more courses of antibiotic treatment.  Another condition that warrants an evaluation is frequent (more than 3 in 1 year) bacterial sinus infections or the occurrence of chronic sinusitis.  You should be evaluated if you have had pneumonia 2 or more times. If you require preventive antibiotics to decrease the number of infections you experience or if you develop unusually severe infections that start as common bacterial infections, this could be an indication of allergies or an improperly working immune system.

Why do I get sick so often?

Patients who suffer from allergies tend to get more infections if their allergies are not properly managed. Sinusitis, enlarged adenoids, nasal polyps or structural problems with the nose are frequently overlooked causes of recurrent upper respiratory infections.

Primary immunodeficiency can also be a cause of recurrent infections. This disease can occur both in adults and children. This illness may not be diagnosed until adulthood since it may take some time for the pattern of recurrent infections to occur. Frequently, these disorders are caused by a lack of proteins in the blood that help fight infections.

What type of evaluation is needed?

During your history we will determine the pattern, severity and frequency of your recurrent infections. A history of your allergy symptoms will also be important. A physical exam as well as radiographic studies will help to determine possible causes of your problems. If allergies are determined to be possible source of your recurrent infections, allergy testing will be needed. Laboratory studies are important in diagnosing the presence of a primary immunodeficiency.

How would I be treated for my recurrent illnesses?

The treatment depends on the underlying cause. If allergies are the primary cause, then allergy treatment is important in preventing further illnesses. This may include allergy desensitization. Patients will need to be treated for any physical ailments such as obstruction in the sinuses, enlarged adenoids or a structural nasal issue.

Primary immunodeficiencies are usually treated with the replacement of gamma globulins, which are missing proteins in the blood, through intravenous treatment or subcutaneous shots for replacement.