Symptoms Of Selective IgA Deficiency And Related Conditions

Pneumonia

Recurrent pneumonia can be indicative of selective IgA deficiency. Pneumonia infections that do not resolve or return frequently are one of the most common symptoms in individuals affected by this primary immune deficiency. The prevalence of this symptom is so great that most patients who have a primary immune deficiency are diagnosed with it when they encounter a pulmonologist or specialized doctor that works with the pulmonary system. Pneumonia is an infection that occurs in an individual's lungs when their alveoli accumulate pus or fluid. This pus or fluid build-up makes it difficult for the affected individual to move oxygen from the air they breathe into their bloodstream. 

Pneumonia can occur in just one lung or both lungs. Pneumonia is a contagious infection where the bacteria or virus that causes it can easily spread to another individual. Oftentimes, a flu virus or a cold virus will cause a patient to develop pneumonia. Individuals affected by selective IgA deficiency may have a harder time recovering from viral pneumonia because even the strongest antibiotics are unable to help their immune system overcome the pathogen.