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Recurring infections are a telltale sign that something isn’t quite right with your body. In many cases, they mean you’re battling an underlying health issue, like an immunodeficiency disorder or a chronic allergic condition.
While a single antibiotic regimen may temporarily relieve your symptoms, it’s crucial to address recurring infections if you want to end the vicious cycle.
Dr. Patricia Gomez-Dinger, a board-certified allergist at Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA in San Antonio and Schertz, Texas, provides a wide range of effective treatment options to help you regain your health and prevent an infection from returning.
Here, she breaks down what causes recurring infections and highlights eight treatments to stop them.
What causes recurring infections
If you experience the same type of infection multiple times, it’s an indication that your body’s immune system is struggling to fight off the infection.
A weakened immune system, whether caused by a chronic condition, genetics, or treatments like chemotherapy, can fail to effectively ward off infections, causing them to reoccur.
Sometimes, the infection returns because the initial treatment wasn’t thorough enough.
Environmental factors like regular exposure to germs can also increase the risk of repeated infections.
Treatments for recurring infections
Here are eight of the most effective treatments we use to address recurring infections at Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA.
Medication
Antibiotics are the first line of defense against bacterial infections. Antiviral or antifungal treatments may also be necessary, depending on the type of infection.
Nasal sprays
Nasal sprays can effectively treat chronic sinus infections. These sprays deliver anti-inflammatory agents or medications directly to the affected area, easing your symptoms and preventing the infection from recurring.
Infusions of antibiotics
For more severe conditions, especially those resistant to standard oral antibiotics, infusions of antibiotics can make a world of difference. This method ensures higher concentrations of antibiotics reach the affected area, improving its effectiveness.
Bone marrow transplant
In cases where recurrent infections are due to fundamental problems with your immune system, such as certain types of primary immunodeficiency, we may consider a bone marrow transplant. This procedure effectively replaces your deficient immune system with a healthy one.
Sinus rinses
Regular sinus rinses can effectively clear mucus, bacteria, and viruses from your nasal passage, reducing the risk of recurrent sinus infections. When done correctly, these rinses can relieve congestion, promote drainage, and improve your sinus health.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a lifeline for anyone whose recurring infections are caused by a dysfunctional immune system or severe allergies. The treatment gradually exposes the immune system to tiny amounts of allergens or immune stimulants.
Immunotherapy can significantly reduce sensitivity to allergens and the frequency of infections related to asthma and allergies.
Allergy treatments
Allergies can aggravate or trigger recurrent infections, particularly in the respiratory tract. Effective allergy management can break this cycle of recurring infections.
Our allergy treatments, which range from medications to lifestyle changes, can reduce the severity of your allergic reactions and strengthen your resistance to infections.
Preventive vaccinations
Vaccinations are key to preventing infections before they start. By keeping your immunizations up-to-date, you strengthen your defenses against infections.
Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA is here to help if you struggle with recurring infections. Led by Dr. Gomez-Dinger, our team provides exhaustive treatment options to free you from persistent infections. Request an appointment with us online or call the office nearest you today.