Immune deficiency can lead to a range of serious health problems, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. It occurs when the body fails to properly produce and/or maintain a healthy immune system.
Immune deficiency can lead to frequent and severe infections, including bacterial infections, viral infections, and fungal infections, as well as opportunistic infections. These infections can affect the skin, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and other parts of the body. In some cases, these infections may be life-threatening.
In addition, people with immune deficiency can develop autoimmune diseases, conditions in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues and organs. Some common autoimmune diseases include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 1 diabetes.
Immune deficiency can also increase the risk of certain types of cancer, such as lymphomas and leukemias. People with weakened immune systems may struggle to fight off cancer cells, making them more susceptible to the disease.
It's important to seek medical treatment for immune deficiency as soon as possible. Treatment will vary depending on the cause of the condition, but it can involve medications, such as antibiotics and antifungals, or therapies, such as vaccinations and blood transfusions. In some cases, a bone marrow transplant may be necessary. With appropriate medical care, many people with immune deficiency can live healthy, active lives.