Frequency Of Infections

What Causes Repeated Infections?

Repeated infections can have various causes, ranging in severity from 'worrying' to 'generally fatal'.  Finding the true cause means ruling out or confirming each possibility – in other words, diagnosis.

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Diagnosis is usually a complex process due to the sheer number of possible causes and related symptoms.  In order to diagnose repeated infections, we could:

  • Research the topic
  • Find a doctor with the time
  • Use a diagnostic computer system.
The process is the same, whichever method is used.

Step 1: List all Possible Causes

We begin by identifying the disease conditions which have "repeated infections" as a symptom.  Here are eight of many possibilities (more below):
  • Hypersplenism
  • Leukemia
  • Vitamin B12 Need
  • Vitamin A Need
  • Chemotherapy Side-Effects
  • Aplastic Anemia
  • Lupus (SLE)
  • Cold Or Flu

Step 2: Build a Symptom Checklist

We then identify all possible symptoms and risk factors of each possible cause, and check the ones that apply:
minor mouth sores
much reduced sense of taste
very great unexplained weight loss
elevated ANA levels
non-vaginal candidiasis
B12 deficiency
frequent confusion/disorientation
high sensitivity to bright light
major joint pain/swelling/stiffness
severe tongue soreness
very low white blood cell count
severe fatigue after slight exertion
... and more than 60 others

Step 3: Rule Out or Confirm each Possible Cause

A differential diagnosis of your symptoms and risk factors finds the likely cause of repeated infections:
Cause Probability Status
Cold Or Flu 94% Confirm
Vitamin A Need 29% Unlikely
Leukemia 28% Unlikely
Aplastic Anemia 2% Ruled out
Lupus (SLE) 1% Ruled out
Vitamin B12 Need 0% Ruled out
Chemotherapy Side-Effects 0% Ruled out
Hypersplenism 0% Ruled out
* This is a simple example to illustrate the process

Arriving at a Correct Diagnosis

The Analyst™ is our online diagnosis tool that learns all about you through a straightforward process of multi-level questioning, providing diagnosis at the end.

In the Immune System Symptoms section of the questionnaire, The Analyst™ will ask the following question about frequency of infections:
How often do you get bacterial, viral, or fungal infections? For example, skin, ear, gastrointestinal, chest/respiratory, mouth, genitourinary. Symptoms usually include fever, pain, swelling, redness, pus, runny nose, sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes.
Possible responses:
→ Once a year or less / almost never
→ 1-2 per year / less than average
→ 2-3 per year / about average / don't know
→ 4-6 per year / regularly
→ More than 6 per year / I usually/always have one
Based on your response to this question, which may indicate very infrequent infections, infrequent infections, regular infections or frequent infections, The Analyst™ will consider possibilities such as:
Leukemia

Due to its effects on white blood cells, leukemia prevents the immune system from working normally, sometimes resulting in frequent infections.

Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

Lupus patients have abnormalities in their immune systems that predispose them to develop infections.

Nephrotic Syndrome

Infection is a serious and frequent complication of nephrotic syndrome.

Neutropenia

The clinical signs of neutropenia manifest as infections, most commonly of the mucous membranes.  Skin is the second most common infection site, manifesting as ulcers, abscesses, and rashes.  The genitalia and perirectum also are affected.  Signs of infection, including warmth and swelling, may be absent.

Neutropenia also suggests the following possibilities:

Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic anemia reduces the bone marrow's ability to produce white blood cells.

Autoimmune Tendency

Autoimmune disease can cause chronic neutropenia.

Chemotherapy Side-Effects

The most common reason that cancer patients experience neutropenia is as a side-effect of chemotherapy.  Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia typically occurs 3-7 days following administration of the chemotherapy drugs and continues for several days before recovering to normal levels.  Infrequently, cancer patients may also experience neutropenia from other medications or as a consequence of their underlying cancer.

Myelodysplastic Syndrome

The most common type of granulocyte (white blood cell with granules) in bone marrow is the neutrophil.  In cases of Myelodysplastic Syndrome, the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow become abnormal, often leading to Neutropenia (a low number of neutrophils in the blood.)

Radiation Poisoning

Radiation therapy or exposure can damage the bone marrow.

Sepsis

Neutropenia can be caused by widespread, severe bacterial infection that causes pus formation or bacteria in the blood, which in turn leads to increased destruction of neutrophils.

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