What are the tests I should do to check my immunity ?
I get sick frequently since childhood.
After surviving CNS and Pulmonary TB 2 yrs back, I often get sick. In past 2 yrs I had Anemia, sepsis, pyelonephritis, badder bowel problems, leg pain etc and I get cold flu very easily.
What could be the reason for frequent illness ?
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Given your history of CNS and pulmonary TB, sepsis and kidney infection, a coordinated review is appropriate. There is no single test that measures all immunity, and frequent minor colds alone do not establish an immune disorder. The pattern and severity of documented infections matter.
Next Steps
Arrange review with your treating TB team or an internal medicine/infectious disease physician. Bring discharge summaries, culture results, TB treatment history and current medicines. They can choose targeted tests and decide whether an immunology referral is warranted. Avoid unproven immunity boosters.
Health Tips
New persistent fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss or worsening cough needs prompt review. Severe headache, neck stiffness, new weakness, confusion or breathing difficulty requires urgent hospital care. Do not alter TB medicines without your treating team.
Check for immunodeficiecy, do a cbc crp and vit d levels also vit b12 can be some congenital immunodeficiency. Go to a physician And get yourself assesed
* Frequent/recurrent infections, especially previous TB, pyelonephritis and sepsis, warrant evaluation for an underlying cause; this does not automatically mean low immunity.
* Secondary causes such as nutritional deficiency, diabetes, HIV or other medical conditions should also be considered.
Next Steps
* Start with CBC with differential, fasting glucose/HbA1c, HIV (if there is history of exposure) and quantitative IgG, IgA, IgM.
* Further immune tests such as lymphocyte subsets, vaccine antibody titres or complement (C3/C4/CH50) can be done depending on the infection pattern and initial results.
* Consult a physician/immunologist with previous TB and infection records for detailed evaluation.
Health Tips
* Maintain adequate nutrition, sleep, exercise and keep vaccinations up to date.
* Avoid taking antibiotics unnecessarily; document the type, frequency and severity of future infections.
Contact me anytime on Practo for further consultation
Kindly consult and give proper detailed history along with symptoms for evaluation and take proper timely treatment with relevant investigations if required.
With your history of cns and pulmonary tb you need to rule out immunodeficiency diseases primary and acquired.Check blood borne viruses basic cbc,lft,rft and then work the way up from this if anything abnormal.Kindly consult directly for detailed assessment and management.
Next Steps
Avoid contact with allergens like pollen, dust, cold,pet dander
avoid contact with sick people
always wear masks while going into a public space
maintain hand hygiene and personal hygiene
You have asked a very good question. To check your immunity level, do the following tests:
1. Complete blood count
2. Basic antibody level. They are immunoglobulin G, A and M. Do it quantitatively.
Normal values of immunoglobulin are:
IgG - 600 to 1600 mg/dl
IgA - 40 to 400 mg/dl
IgM - 40 to 300 mg/dl
If you find them normal then you are okay. If low then it is bad.
From the history recurrent infections alone do not necessarily mean “low immunity.” Because there has been CNS + pulmonary TB, sepsis, pyelonephritis and frequent respiratory infections, it would be reasonable to investigate both immune deficiency and non-immune causes of recurrent illness.
1. Start with these tests
Test What it looks for
CBC with differential + peripheral smear Neutropenia, lymphopenia, anemia
Absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) Important screening marker for cellular immune deficiency
HIV-1/2 Ag/Ab 4th generation Important acquired immunodeficiency to exclude
Fasting glucose + HbA1cDiabetes as a cause of recurrent infections
LFT, RFT, electrolytes, albumin/total protein Systemic/nutritional causes
Quantitative IgG, IgA, IgM Antibody/humoral immune deficiency
C3, C4 ± CH50 Complement deficiency
Lymphocyte subset analysis: CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, NK cells T/B/NK-cell abnormalities
2. If the initial tests are abnormal—or infections are unusually severe
An immunologist/physician may add:
* IgG subclasses
* Specific antibody responses/vaccine titres — particularly tetanus and pneumococcal antibodies
* Neutrophil oxidative burst (DHR test) if there is a pattern suggesting phagocyte dysfunction
* Repeat CD4 count, particularly if lymphopenia or HIV-related concern exists
* Serum protein electrophoresis if recurrent infections + low immunoglobulins/protein abnormalities
* Further genetic/primary immunodeficiency testing only if the clinical pattern warrants it.
3. Your history also warrants looking for non-immune causes
The pyelonephritis + bladder/bowel problems particularly deserve a urological evaluation rather than assuming they are due to immunity:
* Urine routine + culture during symptomatic episodes
* Ultrasound KUB
* Post-void residual urine
* Evaluation for urinary obstruction/reflux or bladder dysfunction if recurrent pyelonephritis continues.
For repeated respiratory infections, depending on symptoms:
* Chest X-ray
* HRCT chest if there is persistent/recurrent pneumonia, productive cough, bronchiectasis, etc.
* Pulmonary function testing when appropriate.
One important point about TB
Having pulmonary or CNS TB does not by itself prove that your immune system is weak. TB can occur in otherwise immunocompetent people. However, CNS TB plus recurrent serious infections makes it reasonable to exclude acquired or primary immune problems, particularly HIV, diabetes, lymphopenia and antibody deficiency.
Frequent infections do not necessarily mean low immunity. Considering your past CNS/pulmonary TB, anemia, sepsis and recurrent UTIs, you need a proper medical evaluation. CBC, Hb/ferritin, HbA1c, LFT/KFT, urine tests and, when indicated, HIV screening and immunoglobulin levels may be considered. Please consult a physician with your previous TB reports and current medicines. You can consult me personally on Practo for a detailed evaluation.
Because of surviving lots of illness your immunity got reduced,the body is still fighting and your body is not only needed for tests but also care.
You should have to eat fruits,green vegetables,do exercise or yoga,
This makes your body strong from inside.
For anemia you have to take - iron supplements.
For flu - stay hydrated,take vit c tab
But first of all go for a CBC test.
By which we can further decide what other things can be done.
So be ready with your all previous reports and a recent CBC test.
Must consult.
Be positive,stay healthy.
If you would like to discuss your concern in more detail, please feel free to contact me on WhatsApp at eight six one nine six six nine nine zero six. Alternatively, you can connect with me through the Practo app for a detailed consultation
Avoid fried and spicy food
Avoid sugar and starch food
Green leafy vegetables more
Fiber meal more
Protein intake more
Fluid intake more
Walk
Do connect and consult
Will help you
Immunity, life style and genetics influence health. Please share detailed medical history, then I can help you further.
Follow healthy life style, take protein rich food with necessary vitamins and minerals, for improving immunity.
Hello,
Take Balanced diet.
For diet details and ePrescription contact me at WhatsApp at +91959508739nine or consult by practo app.
In future if consultations are required than contact me at WhatsApp at +91959508739nine or consult by practo app.
Thanks.
Frequent infections after a serious illness like TB can have several contributing causes. These can include how the illness and its treatment affect your body's defenses, plus any nutritional gaps that built up along the way.
Next Steps
Ask your treating doctor for a basic workup, including a complete blood count, iron, vitamin B12 and D levels, and immunoglobulin levels.
Health Tips
Please loop in whoever manages your TB treatment before starting anything new, since your recovery and immunity are closely linked.
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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