Common Variable Immunodeficiency
The immune system not producing enough antibodies, leaving a person less able to fight off infection. "Variable" refers to how differently this condition affects different people.
What Common Variable Immunodeficiency Is
Common variable immunodeficiency, often shortened to CVID, is a condition in which the immune system does not produce enough of the antibodies needed to fight off infection. Without those antibodies, infections that most people clear without much trouble can keep coming back or take longer than expected to resolve.
The word "variable" refers to how differently this condition affects different people. Some people have frequent sinus and chest infections, others have digestive symptoms or other complications, and the severity can range widely from one person to the next.
CVID is usually diagnosed in adults, often after years of each infection being treated on its own without anyone stepping back to ask why there have been so many. Asthma & Allergy Care, P.C. evaluates this pattern across our New Jersey offices.
Signs That Point to It
It is easy to treat each infection on its own without stepping back to notice the pattern. These are the signs worth having evaluated:
Infections that keep returning, particularly of the sinuses, ears and chest
Infections that take a long time to clear
Needing repeated courses of antibiotics just to get back to normal
A pattern of illness that feels like more than 'just' being run down
How We Diagnose It
Diagnosing CVID starts with understanding your history and confirming what the numbers show. We use these methods:
A Detailed History
We start by talking with you about the infections you have had, how often they occur, and how long they take to clear.
Blood Testing
Blood testing can measure antibody levels and help us understand how your immune system is responding.
A Physical Examination
A hands-on exam helps us understand your overall health and look for anything else that may explain your symptoms.
How We Treat It
Treatment is built around you and reviewed as your needs change. Here is what that can include:
Antibody Replacement Therapy
Replacing the antibodies your immune system is not making enough of is often the foundation of treatment.
An Individual Plan, Reviewed Over Time
We build a plan specific to you for reducing and managing infections, and we review it with you as things change.
Referring On, Where Appropriate
Where it is the right thing for you, we refer you on to another specialist as part of your ongoing care.