Potential Causes and When to Be Concerned
Recurrent respiratory infections are common in adults.
However, frequently recurring infections can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
Respiratory infections involve theupper respiratory tract,lower respiratory tract, or both.
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Some healthy adults can get respiratory infections yearly.
This article discusses recurrent respiratory infections in adults.
It explains possible reasons why you keep getting upper respiratory infections and when to see your healthcare provider.
They can be triggered by an anatomical problem or a weak immune system (immunodeficiency).
This includes a wide range of conditions that may be congenital (present from birth) or acquired.
Symptoms such as recurrent pneumonia may occur for months or years before the diagnosis is made.
The most frequent finding is organic matter, such as pieces of bones or seeds.
Other diseases that may lead to repeated infections include allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and pulmonary vasculitis.
There is no specific treatment for the disorder, but using antibiotics for infection and occasionally immunoglobulins are options.
People who have IgA deficiency are also more likely to develop an autoimmune disease such as lupus.
Roughly 25% of people with CVID also have an autoimmune condition.
Less commonly, recurrent respiratory infections are due to an immune system disorder.
If you experience more than four respiratory infections a year, talk to your healthcare provider.
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