About Immune Deficiency
Key Highlights
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Comprehensive diagnosis to pinpoint the exact type and cause of immune dysfunction.Personalized treatment plans including immunoglobulin therapy, antibiotics, or immunomodulators.Focus on preventing severe, recurrent, or opportunistic infections that can be life-threatening.Improves long-term quality of life and reduces hospitalizations through proactive management.May involve genetic counseling for hereditary forms of immunodeficiency.
Who is this surgery for?
- Recurrent, severe, or unusual bacterial, viral, or fungal infections (e.g., pneumonia, sinusitis, meningitis).
- Infections that do not respond appropriately to standard antibiotic courses.
- Failure to thrive or chronic diarrhea in infants and children.
- Family history of primary immunodeficiency disorders.
- Autoimmune phenomena or unexplained inflammation alongside frequent infections.
- Certain cancers or conditions like HIV/AIDS that cause secondary immunodeficiency.
How to prepare
- Compile a detailed personal and family medical history, including a log of all past infections.
- Bring all previous medical records, lab reports, and imaging studies to the consultation.
- Inform the immunologist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- For specific tests like immunoglobulin level checks, fasting may or may not be required as advised.
- Ensure all routine childhood vaccines are up-to-date prior to some diagnostic challenge tests.
- Be prepared for a thorough physical examination focusing on lymph nodes, tonsils, and signs of infection.
Risks & possible complications
- Risks associated with blood draws or biopsies, such as pain, bruising, or rarely, infection at the site.
- Allergic reactions to medications used in treatment, like intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).
- Complications from long-term therapies, including kidney strain from IVIG or antibiotic resistance.
- For stem cell transplant (in severe cases), risks include graft-versus-host disease, organ damage, and infection.
- Psychological impact of managing a chronic condition.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Recovery is typically outpatient-based for diagnosis and ongoing management like IVIG infusions.
- After infusion therapies, patients are monitored for a short period for any immediate side effects like headache or fever.
- Post-procedure care involves strict adherence to the prescribed treatment plan, including medications and follow-up schedules.
- Patients are educated on infection prevention strategies, such as hand hygiene and avoiding sick contacts.
- Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor immune function, adjust therapies, and manage any complications.
- Lifestyle adjustments, including a balanced diet and adequate rest, are recommended to support overall health.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (typically outpatient) or 1-2 days for infusion therapy monitoring
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Expected recovery time: Ongoing management; immediate recovery from tests/infusions is 1-2 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering immune deficiency in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with immunology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform immune deficiency. MediFyr helps you compare immunologist specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for immune deficiency compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 5 Thousand – 50 Thousand | 0 days (typically outpatient) or 1-2 days for infusion therapy monitoring | ~ Ongoing management; immediate recovery from tests/infusions is 1-2 days | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 17.5 Thousand – 175 Thousand | 0 days (typically outpatient) or 1-2 days for infusion therapy monitoring | ~ Ongoing management; immediate recovery from tests/infusions is 1-2 days | Know More |
John Ali, a 42-year-old high school...
John Ali, a 42-year-old high school teacher and father of two, had always been the 'sick one' in the family. For years, he endured recurrent sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia that would knock him out for weeks, forcing him to use all his sick leave. After his third case of pneumonia in 18 months, his primary doctor referred him to an immunologist. Testing revealed a profound deficiency in IgG antibodies, specifically a Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID). The immunologist recommended starting immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IVIG) to provide the antibodies his body couldn't make. John was anxious about the time commitment and the idea of a lifelong treatment. His first infusion was a long, 4-hour session where he experienced a mild headache and fatigue. Over the next six months of monthly treatments, his energy steadily improved. He hasn't had a single serious infection since starting therapy. Emotionally, he moved from frustration and fear of being a burden to his family to profound relief and empowerment. He now coaches his daughter's soccer team, something he never had the health to do before.