What is immunodeficiency?

Symptoms of immunodeficiency

The signs of immunodeficiency vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. But common symptoms can include:

• Frequent infections that are hard to treat

• Infections that keep coming back

• Feeling tired or rundown often

• Inflammation or swelling in organs

• Digestive issues like diarrhoea or cramping

• Delayed growth or development in children

• Skin rashes or sores that don’t heal properly

You might also notice that everyday illnesses, like a cold or flu, take longer to go away or seem more severe than usual. What might start as a minor infection for others can turn into a lingering illness for someone with immunodeficiency. 

You may experience more intense symptoms, need longer recovery times, or find that treatments like antibiotics don’t work as effectively as expected. This can lead to ongoing fatigue or frequent returns to the doctor for follow-up care.

Causes & types of immunodeficiency

There are two main types of immunodeficiency: primary and secondary.

Primary immunodeficiency

This type is usually inherited (genetic) and starts in childhood. It happens when part of your immune system is missing or not working properly from birth.

There are more than 400 known types of primary immunodeficiency, including conditions like:

• Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID)

• Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)

• X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA)

• Selective IgA deficiency

Primary immunodeficiencies are less common but can be serious without the right care. This is why a proper diagnosis and care from as early as possible is crucial with primary immunodeficiency. 

Secondary immunodeficiency

Secondary immunodeficiency develops later in life. It’s often caused by:

• Certain medications (like chemotherapy or steroids)

• Chronic illnesses such as diabetes or cancer

• Malnutrition

• Ageing

• Infections like HIV

This type is more common and can affect anyone at any stage of life.

Risk factors

Anyone can develop an immunodeficiency, but some factors may increase your risk. These include:

• A family history of primary immunodeficiency

• Having an autoimmune or chronic condition

• Taking medication that suppresses the immune system

• Poor nutrition or vitamin deficiencies

• Experiencing frequent or long-term infections

• Being over the age of 65

At present, the main known risk factor for developing a primary immunodeficiency is having a family history of the condition.

Your lifestyle and environment can also play a role in how well your immune system functions. 

For example, ongoing stress, poor sleep habits, and smoking can all weaken your immune response over time, making it harder for your body to fight off infections. 

A lack of regular physical activity, poor nutrition, or exposure to environmental toxins can also contribute to a compromised immune system. 

Over time, these factors may increase your vulnerability to illnesses and make it harder to recover when you do get sick.

Diagnosis

If you or your doctor suspects you might have immunodeficiency, a few different steps may be involved in getting a diagnosis. These can include:

• A detailed health history

• Physical exams

• Blood tests to check immune cell counts or antibodies

• Genetic testing for inherited conditions

• Imaging tests if organ damage is suspected

Blood tests can help check whether you have healthy levels of blood cells and immune system cells, and whether your immune system is functioning as it should. In some cases, prenatal screening or DNA testing may also be used to identify inherited conditions.

It’s important to be honest about your symptoms, even if they seem small. Tracking how often you get sick and how long it takes you to recover through a symptom tracker can help your doctor make a diagnosis.

Early diagnosis is key, especially for children and people with chronic conditions, so treatment can begin as soon as possible.

Treatment options for immunodeficiency

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for immunodeficiency. It depends on what’s causing it, how severe it is, and your overall health. A treatment method will be personalised to the person it is treating and their unique symptoms. 

Common treatments include:

• Antibiotics or antiviral medications to prevent or treat infections

• Immunoglobulin therapy (also called antibody therapy) for people with low levels of antibodies

• Medications to boost the immune system, such as growth factors or cytokines

• Bone marrow or stem cell transplants, in some primary immunodeficiency cases

• Lifestyle changes like eating well, reducing stress, and avoiding sick people to prevent infection

Managing immunodeficiency is often a lifelong process. But with the right care, many people can stay well, stay employed and live full lives.

When to see a doctor

It’s worth talking to a doctor if you notice:

• Repeated infections that don’t go away with standard treatment

• Infections that seem unusually severe

• Symptoms like chronic fatigue, skin issues, or digestive problems that don’t improve

You should also see a doctor if you have a family history of immunodeficiency or if you’re starting a new medication that could affect your immune system, such as chemotherapy, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressants used for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or after an organ transplant.

Early medical advice can help prevent complications and improve your long-term health.

Finding a job with immunodeficiency

If you’re living with immunodeficiency, working might feel harder, especially if your condition means you need flexible hours, time off for appointments, or a less physically demanding job.

But having a health condition doesn’t mean you can’t find meaningful work. You just might need the right support.

That’s where Inclusive Employment Australia by APM can help.

Through Inclusive Employment Australia, you can get access to:

• One-on-one help from an employment consultant

• Support to write your resume and apply for jobs

• Advice on talking to employers about your needs

• Help to find jobs that are right for your skills and health

• Ongoing support after you start work

If you’re eligible, we can also connect you with employers who understand health conditions and provide reasonable adjustments and workplace modifications like:

• Flexible start and finish times

• Work-from-home arrangements

• Modified duties or equipment

With the right support in place, you can focus on your strengths, not just your condition, and find work that’s sustainable and rewarding.