Immunodeficiency
Specialized evaluation and treatment for primary and secondary immune deficiencies.
At Michigan ENT & Allergy Specialists, our board-certified allergy and clinical immunology team provides comprehensive care for primary immunodeficiency syndromes and offers individualized treatment plans tailored to your symptoms and medical history in our Norton Shores, Grandville, and
Grand Haven locations.
If you’ve experienced frequent or recurrent infections, schedule an evaluation with our immunology team today.
What Is a Primary Immune Deficiency?
According to the Immune Deficiency Foundation, primary immunodeficiencies (PIs) are a group of more than 550 rare, chronic disorders in which parts of the immune system are missing or do not function properly. These conditions, also known as inborn errors of immunity (IEI), vary widely in presentation but all affect the body’s ability to fight infection.
We also care for secondary immunodeficiencies and recurrent sinopulmonary infections.
How We Diagnose
Diagnosis starts with a thorough review of your health history and infection patterns. Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend:
- Medical exam, including detailed medical and family history
- Infection monitoring and treatment to assess frequency and severity
- Quantitative immunoglobulin tests to measure immune protein levels
- T-cell defect studies based on your clinical presentation
- Vaccine response challenges to evaluate antibody production
These evaluations help us understand how your immune system is functioning and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment Options
Treatment for immunodeficiency is individualized and may include:
- Immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IVIG or SCIG) — restores protective antibodies and helps reduce infections.
- Infection management, including antibiotics or other therapies — supports your immune system in fighting recurrent or severe infections.
- Asthma or allergy treatment — offered when these conditions are related to your immune deficiency.
Your immunologist will work closely with you to select the therapies that best support your long-term health and stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequent, severe, or unusual infections — such as repeated sinus, ear, or lung infections — may suggest an immune deficiency. If illnesses linger, require multiple courses of antibiotics, or return quickly after treatment, an evaluation by an immunologist is recommended.
Yes. Primary immunodeficiencies are inherited disorders in which part of the immune system is missing or does not function properly. Testing can help identify the specific type of immune deficiency.
Yes. While many primary immunodeficiencies are diagnosed in childhood, some don’t appear until adulthood. Secondary immunodeficiencies can also develop later in life due to infections, medications, or other health conditions.
Treatment depends on the specific disorder and may include immunoglobulin replacement therapy, infection management, or support for related conditions such as asthma or allergies. Your immunologist will create a plan based on your symptoms and lab findings.
Some immune deficiencies require ongoing therapy, while others can be managed with monitoring and targeted treatment. Your immunologist will review the best long-term plan for your condition.
Many patients with immunodeficiency can receive vaccines, but certain types (such as live vaccines) may not be appropriate. Your immunologist will advise you on which vaccines are safe and recommended.
Primary immunodeficiencies are genetic (inborn errors of immunity). Secondary immunodeficiencies develop later in life due to factors such as infections, medications, or chronic illnesses. AAA evaluates and manages both types.
Your Care Team
Our board-certified immunologists specialize in diagnosing and managing immune deficiency syndromes. With three convenient locations and Saturday hours at select offices, we make it easy to access expert immune care.