Immunodeficiency Specialist

Two River Allergy and Asthma Group Jun Yang, MD Our Services Immunodeficiency

Two River Allergy and Asthma Group

Jun Yang, MD

Allergy & Immunology Practice & Allergist serving Tinton Falls, Middletown Township, Holmdel, and Coltsneck, NJ

Immunodeficiency means your immune system isn’t functioning normally, making you more vulnerable to infections. At Two River Allergy and Asthma Group in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, board-certified allergist and immunologist, Jun Yang, MD, specializes in immunodeficiency and can accurately diagnose and treat immunodeficiency diseases. If you have concerns about recurrent or prolonged infections and suspect immunodeficiency, contact the office by phone or online today to schedule a consultation.

Immunodeficiency

What is immunodeficiency?

Immunodeficiency refers to a group of diseases in which your immune response is limited or absent. Normally, your immune system attacks a foreign invader, bacteria, or virus, to protect you from illness. However, when your immune system isn’t working properly, you’re more likely to suffer from frequent and prolonged infections, often from organisms that usually don’t make people sick. 

There are two types of immunodeficiency:

Primary immunodeficiency disease (PIDD)

With PIDD, part of your immune system is malfunctioning or absent, usually due to an inherited genetic trait. Researchers have identified over 300 types of PIDD. 

Secondary immunodeficiency disease

A secondary immunodeficiency disease refers to immunodeficiency diseases that develop from another factor, such as chemotherapy, severe burns, HIV, or malnutrition. 

What are immunodeficiency symptoms?

Immunodeficiency symptoms may vary in type and severity, depending on the severity of your immune system malfunction. Common symptoms of immunodeficiency include recurrent:

  • Ear infections
  • Sinusitis
  • Bronchitis
  • Pneumonia

Children with immunodeficiencies are more likely to develop thrush (oral fungal infection) and other infections that affect the skin, as well as the mucus membranes of the eyes, mouth, and genital area. Children may also be prone to gastrointestinal infections that cause diarrhea, weight loss, and failure to thrive.

In addition to frequent, prolonged infection, people with immunodeficiency also don’t respond well to traditional medical treatment, or their recovery is significantly delayed or incomplete. 

How is immunodeficiency diagnosed?

At Two River Allergy and Asthma Group, Dr. Yang conducts comprehensive evaluations when you come to the office looking for answers about you or your child’s poor immune health. During your evaluation, he asks detailed questions about symptoms, medical and family history, conducts a physical exam, and orders laboratory tests. 

Dr. Yang may be able to diagnose an immunodeficiency based on the types of infections you or your child experience. 

How is immunodeficiency treated?

Dr. Yang develops individualized treatment plans for immunodeficiency aimed at controlling infections and improving the quality of life. For any acute infections, Dr. Yang prescribes antibiotics. He may also recommend regular antibiotic use for preventive care.

If you or your child has low antibody (immune-fighting cells) levels, he may provide immunoglobulin injections (antibodies) to increase antibody count. 

For comprehensive and compassionate care from an experienced immunologist, contact Two River Allergy and Asthma Group by phone or online today.

 

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