These abnormal cells reduce the number of B cells and lead to hypogammaglobulinemia or secondary immune deficiency. Early recognition and treatment of such infections are important to prevent permanent damage. Changes in color or amounts of sputum and nasal secretions may be early signs of infection. Antibiotic therapy is frequently required, usually for extended periods of time. In many cases, if the patient's immune deficiency is treated monthly with gammaglobulin, the conjunctivitis improves, although additional antibiotics are sometimes needed.
Diarrhea is a common problem of immune deficient patients.
This is often caused by infections or an overgrowth of normal bacteria that live in the gastrointestinal tract. Stool samples should be obtained if a patient experiences pain, bloating or diarrhea. If the results are positive for organisms such as Giardia, antibiotic therapy is necessary. When it is suspected that the immune system is not working properly or an inndividual is frequently sick, the physician may conduct a series of blood tests and vaccinations to confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests will reveal if there are any cells lacking from a complete immune system or if the cells are present but lack adequate amounts for the system to function effectively.