Specific Antibody Deficiency
This is a condition in which the immune system does not mount a proper antibody response to certain bacteria, even though the overall amount of antibody in the blood falls within the normal range.
Why Normal Results Can Be Misleading
A standard blood test that measures the total amount of antibody in the blood can come back within the normal range, even in someone whose immune system cannot respond well to particular bacteria. Overall numbers looking reassuring is part of what makes this condition easy to miss.
Because one type of test is not enough to see the whole picture, more than one kind of testing is often needed. Looking only at total antibody levels can leave the actual problem unseen, which is why a person can keep getting the same infections despite blood work that appears normal.
Signs That Point To It
These are patterns worth having evaluated. If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to talk with us.
Repeated infections of the sinuses, ears or chest
Infections that keep returning even after treatment
A pattern that persists over years, rather than one bad winter
How We Diagnose It
The diagnosis comes from putting the history and the testing together. We use these methods:
A Detailed History
We talk with you about the infections you have had over time, including how often they occur, how they respond to treatment, and how long they take to clear.
Blood Testing
Blood testing looks at how well the immune system responds, rather than only at the overall antibody levels, to see whether the response to specific bacteria is working as it should.
How We Approach Care
Care is planned individually with the doctor, based on your own history and testing. The focus is on reducing how often infections occur and treating them promptly when they do happen.
This is not a one-time plan. It is reviewed with you over time, so it can be adjusted as your situation changes.
Talk to Us About Recurring Infections
If a history of repeated infections has left you with questions, we invite you to book an appointment to discuss it. This is one of several types of immunodeficiency we evaluate, and Asthma & Allergy Care, P.C. has four New Jersey offices, with evening and Saturday hours, to make it easier to get the care you need.
Four New Jersey offices, with evening and Saturday hours.