Allergies are among the country’s most common, but most overlooked, diseases. Allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to allergens, which are foreign substances that aren’t actually dangerous to the body, like pollen or dust. The result is an allergic reaction.
Immunodeficiency is when the body’s immune system is compromised or absent. A weakened immune system leaves the body unable to fight infections and diseases, and can lead to recurrent illnesses and other health issues.
There is no cure for allergies. But both allergies and immunodeficiency can be managed with proper education and medical treatment.
On this page:
What Are Allergies?
An allergy is an overreaction to an allergen — a foreign substance that actually isn't dangerous, like pollen or dust.
The immune system is the body’s first defense against germs and foreign substances. It uses special sensors to quickly detect harmful patterns and trigger inflammation and other immune responses.
When the immune system recognizes an allergen, it releases chemicals — such as histamines and leukotrienes — to fight it off. The result is an allergic reaction.
While generally harmless, allergic reactions may cause:
- Itching
- Hives
- Mucus production
- Muscle spasms
- Rashes
- Swelling
- Other symptoms
What is Immunodeficiency?
Immunodeficiency is when the body’s immune system is compromised or entirely absent. This leaves the body unable to fight infections and diseases, and can lead to recurrent illnesses and other health issues.
Immunodeficiency can be either primary (in-born) or secondary (acquired):
- Primary immunodeficiency is usually genetic and present from birth.
- Secondary immunodeficiency can result from external factors, such as infections (like HIV), medications, or other medical conditions.
When someone is immunodeficient, their immune system lacks the necessary components to fight infections, such as serum immunoglobulins and antibodies. This deficiency increases susceptibility to infections. Those with immunodeficiency often experience recurring infections in the lungs, sinuses, and ears.
How common are allergies and immunodeficiency?
Adults are considered to have an allergic condition if they have been diagnosed with one or more of the following three selected conditions: a seasonal allergy, a food allergy, or eczema.
Nearly 1 in 3 U.S. adults and more than 1 in 4 U.S. children have an allergic condition.
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is one of the most prevalent immunodeficiencies, affecting about 1 in 25,000 people in the U.S.
What causes allergies and immunodeficiency?
Both allergic and autoimmune responses occur when your body tries to get rid of a foreign substance.
- An allergy occurs when your immune system reacts to an allergen, a usually harmless substance such as pollen or pet dander. Allergens can also be things you eat, inhale, inject, or touch, and they cause specific symptoms.
- An autoimmune response is your body’s reaction to protect you from a harmful foreign substance, like a virus, parasite, or bacterium.
- In immunodeficiency, your body’s immune system isn’t strong enough to fight off infections.
What’s the difference between an immunodeficiency and an autoimmune disorder?
Immunodeficiency and autoimmune disorders are not the same:
- In autoimmune disorders, the immune system gets confused and attacks the body’s own healthy cells, thinking they’re harmful — like it would with germs.
- In immunodeficiency, the immune system is too weak and doesn’t make enough antibodies to fight off infections properly.
What are allergy and immunodeficiency risk factors?
Certain groups of people are more at risk for allergies and immunodeficiency:
Allergies
- Age — Allergies can develop at any age, but are more common in children.
- Environmental factors — Exposure to allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and certain foods can increase the risk of developing allergies
- Genetics — If you have a family history of allergies, you are more likely to develop them.
Immunodeficiency
- Genetic — Primary immunodeficiency is usually genetic and present from birth.
- Infections — Secondary immunodeficiency can result from infections like HIV or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
- Medications — Certain medications can weaken the immune system and lead to immunodeficiency.
- Other medical conditions — Conditions such as cancer and diabetes can also contribute to immunodeficiency.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Allergies?
Allergies can cause symptoms that involve your:
- Airways
- Digestive system
- Sinuses
- Skin
The severity of allergies varies from person to person and can range from minor irritations to potentially life-threatening emergencies.
Immunodeficiency can cause recurrent infections of the:
- Lungs
- Sinuses
- Other systems
The most prevalent adult immunodeficiency is common variable immunodeficiency (CVI), which can be treated with antibody infusions to boost the immune system to help fend off infections.
When should I see a doctor about my allergy and immunodeficiency symptoms?
An allergic reaction can cause coughing, sneezing, hives, rashes, itchy eyes, a runny nose, swelling, and a scratchy throat. In severe cases, it can cause low blood pressure, breathing trouble, asthma attacks, and even death if not treated promptly and appropriately.
If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
How Do You Diagnose Allergy and Immunodeficiency?
At UPMC, the initial evaluation of people who are suspected of having allergies, asthma, or immunodeficiency includes:
- An assessment of past medical history.
- A thorough physical examination.
Tests to diagnose allergies and immunodeficiency
To help make a diagnosis, UPMC specialists will conduct a comprehensive assessment of symptoms and may order the following tests and procedures:
- Allergy skin testing — To evaluate allergic symptoms to pollen, dust mites, molds, pets, bee stings, and foods
- Exhaled nitric oxide — A new biomarker for asthma
- Flexible laryngoscopy — To evaluate for vocal cord dysfunction (spasms), which can often mimic asthma or cause cough or throat tightness
- Laboratory studies — To evaluate many allergic and immunologic diseases
- Medication allergy testing — If skin testing is negative, our experts may give you the medication to rule out an allergy.
- Methacholine challenge test — To rule out asthma.
- Nasal endoscopy — To better evaluate chronic sinusitis versus allergies.
- Patch skin test — To check for allergic reactions to chemicals and metals.
- Pulmonary function tests — To assess the functional status of the lungs.
How Do You Treat Allergies and Immunodeficiency?
While allergies and immune problems can't be cured, the experts at UPMC offer many specialized treatments to help relieve your symptoms.
Allergy treatments
Allergy shots
- Decrease sensitivities to allergens on a long-term basis.
- Help with allergy symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, sneezing, and post-nasal drip.
- Must build up tolerance over time.
Drug desensitization
For medication allergies, experts administer the medication by starting at very low doses and gradually increasing the doses.
- Inpatient drug desensitization — For intravenous (IV) medications.
- Outpatient drug desensitization — For oral medications.
Modified rush immunotherapy
A rapid way of giving allergy shots to reach the appropriate dose more quickly.
Asthma treatments
- Breath exercise training – Therapy and instructions on how to breathe during vocal cord dysfunction (spasm) attacks.
- Monoclonal antibodies.
- Research protocols.
Immune deficiency treatments
- Antibody infusions to treat common variable immunodeficiency
Why Choose UPMC for Allergy and Immunodeficiency Care?
UPMC has a long tradition in immunology research and training.
Our specialists are trained in the study of how our bodies protect us from, and respond to, foreign macromolecules or invading organisms, such as:
- Viruses.
- Bacteria.
- Protozoa or even larger parasites.
The multidisciplinary team at UPMC collaborates to treat:
- Allergies.
- Deficiencies of the immune system.
- Various diseases associated with allergic and immunologic disorders.
