Recurring Infections

If you or your child has recurring infections, such as ear infections, pneumonia, or sinusitis, it may be from immunodeficiency. The experts at Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA - Dr. Patricia Gomez Dinger in the Stone Oak area of San Antonio and Schertz, Texas, offer treatments for recurring infections to ease unpleasant symptoms and reduce your risk of complications or future infections. Schedule an evaluation by phone or request one online today.

What are recurring infections?

Recurring infections are infections that appear frequently over a long period of time. These infections may be severe, with a high risk of complications. They’re often caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses that enter your body and cause harm. 

Examples of recurring infections include:

• Sinus infections
• Ear infections
• Eye infections
• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Meningitis
• Thrush/yeast infections
• Bone infections
• Joint infections
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Skin infections

Frequent infections may be a sign of a compromised immune system. If you constantly suffer from infections and need relief, see the team at Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA - Dr. Patricia Gomez Dinger as soon as possible. 

What may cause recurring infections?

Frequent infections often result because of immunodeficiency or a weakened immune system. These infections may reappear within one to two weeks after completing antibiotic treatment. A family history of recurring infections tends to increase your risk of having them.

How are recurring infections diagnosed?

The team at Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA - Dr. Patricia Gomez Dinger diagnoses recurring infections after discussing your medical history, symptoms, medications, and lifestyle. They also complete a physical exam and may order blood tests or suggest asthma and allergy testing.

Is treatment for recurring infections right for me?

Your immunology specialist may recommend treatment if you, your child, or another loved one has:

• Recurrent or ongoing sinus infections
• Eight or more new infections in a year
• Two or more cases of pneumonia within a year
• Failure of an infant to grow normally or gain weight
• Recurrent abscesses
• Two or more serious sinus infections in a year
• Two or more months of using antibiotics with little to no effect
• Two or more severe infections
• Family history of immune deficiency
• Persistent thrush in the mouth or elsewhere on the skin after age 1
• A need for intravenous antibiotics to clear infections

Your specialist determines your diagnosis and tailors a treatment plan to reduce future infections.

How are recurring infections treated?

To treat recurring infections or their underlying cause, you might need:

• Medications
• Nasal sprays
• Infusions of antibiotics
• Bone marrow transplant
• Sinus rinses
• Immunotherapy 
• Allergy treatments
• Preventive vaccinations 
• Healthy lifestyle changes

It’s vital to eat nutritious foods, get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, minimize stress, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands frequently, and take a multivitamin if asked to.

Follow up with Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA - Dr. Patricia Gomez Dinger to ensure long-lasting success.

Schedule a recurring infections evaluation at Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA - Dr. Patricia Gomez Dinger by phone or online today.