Primary immunodeficiency disease is a group of more than 300 disorders in which part of the immune system is absent or not functioning properly. People with primary immunodeficiency disease may be more susceptible to illnesses, such as sinus issues. Infections, bronchitis or pneumonia – and may experience recurring infections.

The number of PIDDs has increased recently as more cases are being discovered. In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) determined that there were over 9,000 cases of primary immunodeficiency disease. PIDs are usually diagnosed in childhood but can be found at any age.

However, primary immunodeficiency disease can be first detected when a child is an infant, most often diagnosed when they become an adolescent or adult. These children may not get proper medical treatment until it is too late. The signs and symptoms of the disease include:

Low platelets is one of the leading symptoms. Low platelets commonly result in not being able to heal as well from cuts and bruises, which leads to other issues, such as infection and even death. When your body does not produce enough platelets, it becomes hard for the blood to clot, making you bleed more easily than usual.

Food allergies affect children with this disease as they often eat too much food and get sick from those foods because of the allergies. This happens more often than those without it because it can be harder for them to digest their food properly due to the diseases inhibiting their system's ability to do so.

Stunted growth is seen in children with primary immunodeficiency disease, as they may not grow at the same rate as their peers. A child's growth can be stunted due to a lack of nutrients and vitamins. Because they don't eat as much as they should, they do not get all the nutrients they need, which may stunt their growth.

A chronic cough is often seen in children with this disease because they will have difficulty breathing. Their immune systems don't work properly, and they will have trouble fighting off infections from viruses, bacteria and fungi. This disease often causes children to have chronic coughs and fevers for no reason at all. Neither allergies nor other sicknesses are clear causes of these symptoms usually caused by primary immunodeficiency disease.

The causes of primary immunodeficiency disease are unknown, but researchers believe that genetics play an important role. The condition is passed down in families. Parents with this disease may have children who get it, as well. But it is not uncommon for children to have the condition, and their parents do not have the disorder.

There are several ways you can prevent the disease. Some of the most preferred ways include:

Vaccinations are preferred because they reduce the risk of primary immunodeficiency disease in future generations. Vaccinations are also known to prevent or reduce the number of infections that cause PIDD. The vaccines can be given once a year, and they can help build up the immune system.

Many healthy foods can help you build up your immune system, including peas, beans, broccoli, carrots and brown rice. It would help if you also ate plenty of fruits and vegetables every day to help build your immunity.

Personal hygiene is important for many reasons, but most importantly, it can help prevent infectious diseases from spreading from one place to another, leading to lower disease rates. You should wash your hands for about 10 seconds in warm water every time. This will help prevent the spread of pathogens.

Vitamin D is a nutrient that helps your immune system fight off disease and infection and regulates how much calcium and phosphorus are in the body and how it uses them. In children with primary immunodeficiency disease, vitamin D can help prevent infections, boost the immune system and stimulate growth and development at all ages.

Vitamin B12 is important for many body functions, including DNA synthesis, cell division, red blood cell production and hemoglobin synthesis. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia and an increased risk of infections such as primary immunodeficiency disease. Daily injections of vitamin B12 will help prevent these problems.

The treatments range from antibiotic therapy to bone marrow transplant, with or without gene therapy or stem cell transplantation. Gene therapy has shown some successes during clinical trials in animals but has not yet been approved for human usage. Stem cell therapy and gene therapy have demonstrated their effectiveness in humans but are still experimental and have not been approved for use yet.