Primary immunodeficiencies that affect the production of protective antibodies place people at risk for infections of the sinuses, middle ears and lungs. The most common primary immunodeficiency is IgA deficiency, which occurs in about 1 in 300 people. People with IgA deficiency can go undiagnosed for years, and experience numerous infections per year. The diagnosis of IgA deficiency can be made with a simple blood test -- and can lead to an explanation of why a person has so many infections. The treatment of IgA deficiency involves not only monitoring for and treating recurring infections, but also monitoring for and treating various autoimmune diseases (including celiac disease) and certain forms of cancer that occur at higher rates in people with IgA deficiency.
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