Everyone gets sick now and then—but if you or your child are getting sick more often than usual, or symptoms don’t improve with normal treatment, your immune system might not be working the way it should. Some people have trouble fighting infections, while others have immune systems that overreact or attack the body by mistake.
That’s when it’s time to consider seeing an immunologist (also called an allergist-immunologist). Immunologists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of immune system problems in both kids and adults.
Below are common signs of an immune problem and what an immunologist can do to help.
What Is an Immunologist?
An immunologist is a doctor who specializes in the immune system. They figure out if your immune system is too weak, too strong, or attacking your own body by mistake.
In the U.S., all allergists are also immunologists. That means the same doctor who helps with asthma or seasonal allergies can also diagnose and treat serious immune problems like frequent infections, autoimmune diseases, and immune deficiency disorders.
What are Primary Immunodeficiency (PI) Diseases?
Primary immunodeficiency (PI) diseases are a group of rare conditions you’re born with that affect how your immune system works. People with PI diseases get sick more often, take longer to get better, or may have unusual infections that don’t respond well to treatment.
Children with PI diseases may also have problems like poor growth, frequent fevers, or autoimmune issues like joint pain, low blood counts, or skin rashes. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term health problems and improve daily life.
Signs You Might Need an Immunologist
It’s normal to get sick now and then. But if you or your child keeps getting sick or your body doesn’t bounce back the way it should, it may be time to see a specialist. Here are some signs to be aware of:
Frequent Infections
- More than four ear infections in a year
- Multiple sinus infections or episodes of pneumonia
- Infections that won’t clear up without IV antibiotics
- Colds or viruses that linger longer than expected
Unusual or Severe Infections
- Recurrent skin or organ abscesses
- Repeated fungal infections like thrush (especially after age 1)
- Infections most people don’t get (like with unusual bacteria)
Autoimmune Symptoms
- Low energy, joint pain, rashes, or swelling with no clear cause
- Conditions like type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, or low blood counts
- Other signs that your body is attacking itself
Other Red Flags
- Poor weight gain or growth in babies and young children
- Recurrent fevers with no obvious reason
- Swollen lymph nodes or a large spleen
- A family history of immune disorders
How an Immunologist Can Help
- Make a diagnosis. They use blood tests and sometimes genetic tests to figure out what’s wrong.
- Create a treatment plan. This could include medicine, immunotherapy, or allergy shots.
- Offer long-term care. Many immune system problems need regular checkups and advice about vaccines, infections, and staying healthy.
If you notice these warning signs or have concerns about your immune health, schedule an evaluation with a board-certified allergist. Early intervention can make a significant difference.
Use the ACAAI’s “Find an Allergist” tool to locate a specialist near you.
See also What Conditions Do Immunologists Treat?
