Immune deficiencies are conditions where the body’s defence system is not able to fight off infections and diseases. It is often a serious lifelong struggle.
No parent wants to find out that their child has an immune deficiency, but it’s important to help your little ones so that they can lead a long and happy life.
We had a chat with Nazatul Amira Hamzah from Primabumi Sdn Bhd to find out more about immune deficiencies in children and steps parents can take to address this condition.
Question 1: What are primary and secondary immune deficiencies?
Immune deficiencies are health conditions in which a child’s immune system is impaired, compromising their ability to identify and eliminate infections.
They typically fall into two categories: primary and secondary immune deficiencies.
Some children may outgrow their deficiencies as their immune system matures, while others may have to deal with this issue lifelong.
Question 2: What are the causes of primary and secondary immune deficiencies?
A child typically inherits a primary immune deficiency from one or both parents.
Someone can acquire immune deficiencies through ways other than genetic, such as:
- Infections, like HIV, measles, or COVID-19
- Immunosuppressive drugs (medications used to suppress immune responses), such as: corticosteroids, chemotherapy agents, antirejection medication (for transplant patients).
- Medical conditions, such as: cancers, chronic kidney disease, burns, severe trauma, severe nutrient deficiencies
Question 3: How do I tell if my child may have an immune deficiency?
There are many ways that immune deficiencies can present themselves.
A child with this condition will usually suffer from slow growth, weight loss, skin rashes, delayed wound healing and excessive tiredness.
Frequent gastrointestinal issues such as abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea can also be a sign.
Be on the lookout for frequent and recurrent infections as well such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, ear infections, meningitis, or skin infections.
You should also observe your child for the following symptoms:
- Enlarged lymph glands or spleen
- Failure to thrive and/or persistent candidiasis (oral thrush) in newborns
- Inflammation and infection of internal organs
- Opportunistic infections (infections occurring due to bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites that normally do not cause a disease but become capable of causing illnesses when the body’s immune system is weakened)
- Infections that are difficult to treat that they require several treatment courses or frequent hospitalisations
However, the symptoms above could also be caused by other health issues such as anaemia, nutrient deficiency, or hormonal imbalance.
A professional medication examination is required to determine the correct diagnosis.
Question 4: How is an immune deficiency diagnosed?
Your child’s doctor may perform the following tests to determine whether or not your child has an immune deficiency:
- A blood test is carried out to assess the levels of infection-fighting proteins (immunoglobulins), antibodies, blood cells, and immune system cells in your child’s blood.
- Prenatal testing involves testing samples of the mother’s amniotic fluid, blood, or cells from the tissue that will form the placenta (chorion) to identify any immune-related problems.
- DNA testing is used to check for a genetic defect during pregnancy. Test results enable the timely preparation for therapy immediately following birth, if required.
Question 5: At what age are primary and secondary immune deficiencies detected?
Primary immune deficiencies often manifest early in life, whereas secondary immune deficiencies can appear at any stage, depending on their triggers.
Question 6: How does an immunodeficiency affect a child’s health and quality of life?
Immune deficiencies impair your child’s immune system’s ability to identify and eliminate threats.
They negatively affect your child’s health and well-being by increasing your child’s likelihood of:
- Suffering from multiple allergies as well as serious illness and infection
- Experiencing recurrent or long-term infections
- Having a reduced ability to absorb and utlise nutrients
- Requiring frequent medical visits and hospitalisations that could impact their academic performance and decrease their opportunity for learning and social activities.
Question 7: How are primary and secondary immune deficiencies treated?
Treatments for both primary and secondary immunodeficiencies primarily involve:
- Treating and preventing infections through the use of antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungal medications.
- Treating and preventing infections through the use of immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IVIG) to supplement missing antibodies.
- Stem cell transplantation to cure several forms of life-threatening immunodeficiency.
Question 8: What is the role of vaccination in managing primary and secondary immune deficiencies?
Vaccines can help protect your child against common infections in the short- and long-term.
However, children with severe immune deficiencies should avoid live vaccines like oral polio and measles-mumps-rubella unless a specialist recommends them.
Question 9: Can probiotics help children with immune disorders?
Probiotics may help improve gut health and strengthen the immune system.
However, there are insufficient clinical studies to prove that probiotics can be significantly beneficial in children with immune deficiencies.
Talk to a healthcare professional before starting your child on any probiotic product.
Question 10: As a parent, how do I help my child cope with their immune deficiencies?
Parents can help support their child’s overall immune function through various measures, including:
- Encourage your child to practice good hand and dental hygiene.
- Promote a well-balanced diet to ensure your child gets all the nutrients they need to grow healthily.
- Ensure your child gets enough sleep, help them manage stress, and encourage them to stay physically active, as all these are necessary to maintain strong immune function.
- Minimise your child’s exposure to infection as much as possible by staying away from people with symptoms of infection or crowded places.
- Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations for your child.
Source: Nazatul Amira Hamzah, Pharmacist at Primabumi Sdn Bhd
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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