How is immunodeficiency different from frequent colds

What is immunodeficiency

Immunodeficiency is called Primary immunodeficiency, a condition in which the immune system is not working properly. There is a certain defect in it, due to which the body cannot cope with the attack of viruses or microbes in time, or even begins to destroy itself altogether (this is how various autoimmune disorders manifest themselves).

What is immunodeficiency and why does it appear

This defect can be congenital - in this case, the immunodeficiency is called primary. But secondary immunodeficiency is more common, which is acquired during life. The Overview of Immunodeficiency Disorders are caused by:

Various diseases that disrupt the production of white blood cells and other elements of the immune system: diabetes, cancer, HIV and AIDS, kidney and spleen diseases.
Some drugs that suppress the immune system: immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, chemotherapy drugs.
Elderly age.
Malnutrition. If the weight drops to 80% of the recommended weight, the immune system is impaired. Up to 70% is seriously violated.
Deficiency of certain nutrients. In particular, immunity begins to fail with a noticeable lack of calcium or zinc.

Immunity disorders vary in severity. Some of them are so weak that they can go unnoticed for years. Their symptoms increase gradually. And in the end, suspiciously frequent illnesses do make themselves felt. Including colds.

Why your frequent colds are most likely not immune deficient

Immunodeficiency rarely makes itself felt exclusively with ARVI or influenza, even if they happen twice every month. He has a different symptomatology. Much more unpleasant.

Here Are The Really Significant Signs When You Have More Than a Cold … Could It Be Primary Immunodeficiency? that allow us to suspect an immune disorder:

four or more cases of otitis media during the year;
two or more times when you get sick with serious sinusitis (infections that affect the lining of the paranasal sinuses) or bronchitis during the year;
two or more months of taking antibiotics with little effect;
chronic thrush in the mouth or recurring fungal infections on the skin;
two or more cases of pneumonia during the year;
regular infections and inflammation of internal organs;
persistent digestive problems - loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea;
persistent deep inflammation (abscesses) on the skin;
retardation of growth and development, when it comes to a child.

As you can see, there are no common colds in this list. However, if ARVI worries you too often, this is also an unambiguous indication for consultation with a therapist. The doctor will conduct an examination, prescribe additional tests for you.

It is far from the fact that the physician will agree with your assumption about immunodeficiency. Frequent colds can have more mundane causes. For example, the usual heartburn. With this violation, the acidic contents of the stomach washes away the protective layer of the mucous membrane in the nasopharynx, and this leads to the fact that the body loses its ability to quickly resist the invasion of viruses.

To find out what exactly is the trigger for excessively frequent colds, only a qualified doctor can. Do not guess and do not blame immunity (maybe in your case it has absolutely nothing to do with it) - go for a consultation.