Immunodeficiency disorders are a group of disorders where most or all your immune system stops working properly. If you are constantly battling illness and infections, this may be a sign you have a weak immune system and you should check with your doctor.
There are two main types of immunodeficiency: primary and secondary.2
Primary immunodeficiency (PID) is usually genetic and present from birth. There are more than 300 known types of PID that can range from mild to severe and can result in recurrent infections, poor growth, and other health problems.3 In certain instances, individuals with a mild form may remain unaware of their PID until adulthood.4
If the immune system becomes damaged or weakened later in life, it is referred to as secondary immunodeficiency disorder (SID).5 SIDs, sometimes referred to as acquired immunodeficiency disorders, are more common than PIDs and are caused by a primary illness like HIV or external factors such as malnutrition or certain drug regimens.6