Immune disorders and diseases can be hard to diagnose and complicated to treat, wreaking havoc on your life as you try to manage the effects of a weakened immune system. Thankfully, in the Sutter Health network, immunologists have spent years studying the complexities of the body’s immune system. They treat the entire spectrum of immunity-related health problems and immune deficiency diseases.
When you partner with an immunologist in the Sutter Health network, your doctor conducts a complete medical workup, gathering your medical history, performing a physical exam and measuring blood levels, such as your T cell and white blood cell count. The doctor may also use an antibody test where you receive a vaccination and then complete a blood test a few days later to determine if your immune system is producing antibodies to combat the organisms in the vaccine.
The treatment protocol for immune system disorders often includes drugs like antibiotics and antibody replacements. Your doctor also may recommend lifestyle adjustments to help you strengthen your immune system.
Immunologists agree that most people who have immune system disorders can enjoy a full and productive life — especially if they pursue the right care from a specialist early in the process.
Treating Infectious Diseases
At PAMF, our infectious disease specialists treat infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. The doctors also specialize in treating patients with infections caused by HIV and handle pandemics and emerging disease outbreaks like SARS, H1N1 flu or the Zika virus.
Some of the common conditions for which you may be referred to an infectious disease doctor include:
- Illnesses that include strains of pneumonia
- Viral and bacterial meningitis
- Bone and joint or soft tissue infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections
- Acute cases of influenza
- Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ AIDS