Diagnosis and Treatment
What is the process for diagnosing primary immunodeficiency? What treatment options are available?
How is PI diagnosed and treated?
Primary immunodeficiency is a term that covers hundreds of rare genetic immune disorders with varying degrees of severity and symptoms that differ among individuals and specific disease types. While many forms of PI are inherited disorders, researchers have identified acquired forms of primary immunodeficiency in recent years. This means symptoms may develop at any point in a patient’s life.
Some Canadians receive a PI diagnosis when a severe and life-threatening infection signals a potential problem with the immune system. Unfortunately, many others go years without a diagnosis, suffering from recurring “routine” infections and illnesses.
It is important to know that PI severely impacts all aspects of a patient’s physical, social and emotional well-being.
Because PI is rare and symptoms may present as common infections, your primary care physician may not suspect an immunodeficiency. In fact, many healthcare professionals have limited knowledge and experience with PIDs, and patients are often referred to a clinical immunologist for specialist testing and care.
Newborn Screening for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) in Canada
Population-based newborn screening happens on a large scale and can help detect health problems leading to faster and more effective treatment. The process...
How is Primary Immunodeficiency diagnosed?
People with PI often become their own greatest advocates. Many of our members learn about their suspected or diagnosed illnesses and then work to educate...
What are the symptoms and warning signs of Primary Immunodeficiency?
While the symptoms of primary immunodeficiency vary among people and specific disease types, there are some common warning signs. PI warning signs in...
How can Primary Immunodeficiencies be treated?
With proper treatment, many people with PI experience a dramatic improvement in their health, well-being and quality of life. Immunoglobulin Replacement...
What’s the difference between Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders (PID) and Inborn Errors of Immunity (IEI)?
Recent technological and medical advances have seen a rapid increase in the discovery of genetic defects and disorders. In particular, Next Generation...