Immunology Specialist in Silver Spring, Maryland
The immune system protects your body from infection and disease. When it does not function properly, recurrent or difficult-to-treat infections may occur. At Allergy & Asthma Clinic of Maryland in Silver Spring, Maryland, our team evaluates children and adults with suspected immune disorders to identify potential causes and guide appropriate care.
What Is Immunology?
Immunology is the branch of medicine focused on the immune system.
A healthy immune system helps protect the body from harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other organisms. It includes specialized cells, antibodies, proteins, and other components that work together to recognize and respond to potential threats.
Immune system problems can occur when part of this defense system is missing, weakened, or does not function as expected.
Our team has specialized training in evaluating allergies, asthma, and disorders involving immune-system function.
What Is an Immunodeficiency Disorder?
An immunodeficiency occurs when one or more parts of the immune system do not function adequately. This may make it more difficult for the body to fight infections effectively.
Primary Immunodeficiency
Primary immunodeficiency disorders are caused by problems involving the development or function of the immune system itself. Many are related to genetic or inherited abnormalities.
Some primary immune deficiencies become apparent during childhood, while others may not be recognized until adolescence or adulthood.
Secondary Immunodeficiency
Secondary immune deficiencies develop because another condition or external factor affects immune-system function.
The appropriate evaluation depends on a patient's medical history, symptoms, medications, previous illnesses, and pattern of infections.
When Should You Consider an Immunology Evaluation?
The pattern, severity, type, and frequency of infections are important when determining whether additional immune-system testing may be appropriate.
Having occasional infections does not necessarily mean that you have an immune-system disorder. However, certain patterns may warrant further evaluation.
Consider speaking with an allergist/immunologist if you or your child experiences:
- Recurrent sinus infections
- Recurrent ear infections
- Repeated bronchitis or pneumonia
- Infections that are unusually severe
- Infections that are difficult to clear
- Frequent need for antibiotics
- Infections requiring intravenous antibiotics
- Recurrent deep skin or organ abscesses
- Persistent or unusual fungal infections
- Poor response to standard infection treatment
- A family history of an immune deficiency
- A combination of recurrent infections and other unexplained symptoms
Recurrent Sinus and Respiratory Infections
Frequent sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections are among the reasons a patient may be referred for an immunology evaluation.
Repeated respiratory symptoms can have many possible causes. For example,
allergies,
asthma, structural problems, environmental exposures, and immune deficiencies can sometimes produce overlapping symptoms. Our team reviews the complete clinical picture rather than assuming recurrent respiratory symptoms are caused by a single condition.
This may include evaluating:
- How often infections occur
- How severe they are
- How long they last
- Whether antibiotics are frequently needed
- Whether infections return shortly after treatment
- Whether allergy or asthma symptoms are also present
- Previous laboratory or diagnostic testing
- Family and medical history
How Are Immune System Disorders Diagnosed
Immunology evaluation begins with a detailed medical history. Our team may review your history of infections, previous treatments, medications, family history, allergies, respiratory symptoms, and other medical concerns. Depending on the findings, laboratory testing may be recommended to evaluate different components of immune-system function.
Blood Testing
Blood tests can provide information about important components of your immune system. Depending on the clinical situation, testing may evaluate blood cells, antibodies, immunoglobulin levels, or other measures related to immune function. The specific tests ordered depend on the patient's symptoms and medical history.
Antibody and Immune Response Evaluation
Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that help recognize and fight certain infections. Testing may be used to assess whether antibody levels or immune responses are functioning as expected.
Additional Testing
If symptoms suggest that allergies or asthma may also be contributing to recurrent respiratory problems,
Dr. Kalfa may recommend additional evaluation. This may include allergy testing or pulmonary function testing depending on your symptoms.
Immunology Care for Children & Adults
Immune deficiencies can present at different stages of life. Some severe immune disorders become apparent during infancy or childhood. Other immune deficiencies, particularly certain antibody deficiencies, may not be recognized until later childhood or adulthood.
Our team provides allergy and immunology care for patients of all ages and evaluates each patient's infection history, symptoms, and individual risk factors.
Parents who are concerned about frequent or unusually severe infections in a child can discuss whether an immunology evaluation may be appropriate. Adults with a long history of recurrent sinus, ear, or respiratory infections may also benefit from evaluation.
Immunodeficiency and Allergies Can Have Similar Symptoms
Allergies and immune deficiencies are different conditions, but their symptoms can sometimes overlap. For example, patients with environmental allergies may experience repeated congestion, sinus pressure, cough, or other respiratory symptoms that resemble recurrent infections. Some patients may also have both allergic disease and an immune-system disorder.
Because allergists/immunologists are specially trained in both areas, our team can evaluate the broader clinical picture and determine which testing is appropriate.
How Are Immunodeficiency Disorders Treated?
Treatment depends on the specific immune-system problem identified. There is no single treatment plan for every immunodeficiency disorder.
Infection Prevention and Management
Preventing infections and treating them appropriately when they occur can be an important part of managing an immune deficiency.
Medication Management
Some patients may require medications based on their specific diagnosis, infection history, and immune-system findings.
Immunoglobulin Replacement
Certain antibody deficiencies may be treated with immunoglobulin replacement therapy when clinically appropriate.
Ongoing Monitoring
Immune-system disorders often require continued monitoring to evaluate symptoms, infection frequency, laboratory findings, and response to treatment.
Coordination With Other Specialists
Depending on the type of immune disorder and associated health concerns, additional specialists may be involved in a patient's care. Dr. Kalfa develops treatment recommendations based on the patient's specific diagnosis and clinical needs.
Why Choose Allergy & Asthma Clinic of Maryland for Skin Allergy Care?
Board-Certified Allergy & Immunology Expertise
Our team includes providers with specialized training in allergies, asthma, and disorders involving the immune system.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Immune symptoms are evaluated in the context of your infection history, medical history, respiratory symptoms, allergies, medications, and other relevant factors.
Immune-System Blood Testing
Laboratory testing may be used to evaluate important components of immune-system function when clinically indicated.
Allergy & Immunology Care in One Practice
Because allergies, asthma, recurrent sinus symptoms, and immune disorders can sometimes overlap, patients benefit from a physician trained to evaluate these conditions together.
Care for Children & Adults
Allergy & Asthma Clinic of Maryland provides allergy and immunology care for patients across different ages and stages of life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Immunology
Answers to common questions about immunology and treatments we offer at our office in Silver Spring.
Still have a question?
Call our office and our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about treatments, scheduling, or anything else.
What does an immunologist treat?
An allergist/immunologist is specially trained to diagnose and manage allergies, asthma, and disorders involving the immune system. This can include evaluation of patients with recurrent or unusually severe infections that may suggest an immune deficiency.
What are signs of an immune deficiency?
Possible warning signs can include recurrent infections, unusually severe infections, infections that are difficult to treat, repeated pneumonia or sinus infections, frequent antibiotic use, persistent fungal infections, or a family history of immune deficiency.
Does getting sick frequently mean I have an immune deficiency?
Not necessarily. Frequent infections can occur for many reasons. An immunology evaluation looks at the type, severity, frequency, and pattern of infections along with your medical history to determine whether immune-system testing may be appropriate.
Can adults develop symptoms of an immune deficiency?
Yes. Although some immune deficiencies appear during childhood, others may not be recognized until adolescence or adulthood.
How is immune-system function tested?
Evaluation may include blood testing to assess components of the immune system, such as blood cells, antibodies, immunoglobulin levels, or immune responses. The appropriate testing depends on the patient's symptoms and history.
Are autoimmune disease and immunodeficiency the same thing?
No. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly targets the body's own tissues. Immunodeficiency refers to inadequate or abnormal immune function that may make a person more susceptible to infections. Some immune disorders can involve features of both, but they are not the same condition.
Can allergies cause frequent sinus symptoms?
Yes. Environmental allergies can cause chronic nasal and sinus symptoms that sometimes resemble recurrent infections. An allergist/immunologist can help determine whether allergies, immune-system problems, or another condition may be contributing.
Does Dr. Kalfa evaluate children for immune disorders?
Yes. Dr. Kalfa provides allergy and immunology care for both children and adults.
Where can I see an immunology specialist in Silver Spring?
Allergy & Asthma Clinic of Maryland is located at 8630 Fenton Street, Suite 522, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
Get Answers About Your Immune Health
If recurrent or unusually severe infections are affecting you or your child, an immunology evaluation can help determine whether an underlying immune-system problem may be contributing. At Allergy & Asthma Clinic of Maryland, our team provides personalized immunology evaluation and care for children and adults in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Phone: (240) 531-2902
