Infections Hypogammaglobulinemia Can Cause

Pneumonia

Pneumonia mainly affects the air sacs in the lungs or the aveoli because it is an infection that triggers inflammation in those components of the lung. Both bacteria and viruses can be responsible for the infection much like the infections that cause bronchial inflammation. Viruses that cause this infection most often are respiratory syncytial virus, human parainfluenza virus, rhinovirus, influenza, and adenovirus. Bacteria that often cause the infection of the air sacs are streptococcus pneumoniae, mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Legionella. These viruses and bacteria can infect the body through mucous membrane contact with the air, objects, and bodily fluids of someone who is infected. Hypogammaglobulinemia patients do not have immune systems with enough immunoglobulins to destroy most of these viruses and bacteria before they have a chance to enter into the body and reproduce. Serious complications and death can result from untreated infections of this kind because the constriction of the air channels in the lungs results in the buildup of mucus, which makes it hard for oxygen to reach the blood the way it usually would.

Learn more about the infections hypogammaglobulinemia can trigger now.

Respiratory Tract Infections

An infection of any part of the body involved in the process of breathing can be classified as a respiratory tract infection. An infection can occur in either the upper or the lower respiratory tract when viruses and bacteria enter the body through the mouth, nose, or airways. The sinuses, mouth, nose, throat, larynx, and pharynx are all of the upper respiratory components, while the alveoli, bronchioles, bronchi, and trachea are all the lower respiratory components. The common cold is one of the most prevalent respiratory tract infections. It is imperative for individuals with a healthy immune system and even more so for those who have hypogammaglobulinemia to seek medical treatment for respiratory infections as they can cause deadly complications such as lung abscess, pleural effusion, deep vein thrombosis, septicemia, and bacteremia. Because there are reduced quantities of the immunoglobulin A and G antibodies, their immune system does not recognize viruses or bacteria that cause a respiratory infection to develop, and therefore allows it to manifest itself wherever it pleases in the body and reproduce itself. Hypogammaglobulinemia patients have a very high and increased risk of developing a respiratory tract infection on a frequent basis.

Get the details on the next infection hypogammaglobulinemia can cause now.