When to Suspect an Immunodeficiency

Consider an immune evaluation if you or your child experience any of the following:

Frequent ear, sinus, throat, or chest infections
Two or more pneumonias in one year
Repeated courses of antibiotics
Poor response to vaccines
Slow recovery from infections
Persistent thrush or chronic fungal infections
Chronic GI infections or diarrhea
Unusual, severe, or difficult-to-treat infections
Family history of immune problems or primary immunodeficiency

If constant illness has started to feel “normal,” it is time to look deeper.

Conditions We Diagnose and Treat

Antibody Deficiencies

Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID)
Selective IgA Deficiency
IgG Subclass Deficiencies
Specific Antibody Deficiency
IgM Deficiency

Combined Immunodeficiencies

SCID (screening and referral)
DiGeorge Syndrome

Phagocytic and Complement Disorders

Chronic Granulomatous Disease (initial evaluation and referral)
Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (recognition and referral)
CH50 and AH50 complement pathway abnormalities

Immune Dysregulation Conditions

Autoimmune cytopenias associated with immune dysfunction
Chronic infections with abnormal immune markers
Early autoimmune symptoms suspicious for underlying immune issues

Our Evaluation Process

Your evaluation is tailored to your age, symptoms, and health history. A typical immune workup may include:

Laboratory Testing

Quantitative immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE)
IgG subclass testing
Lymphocyte subsets (T, B, and NK cells)
CH50 and AH50 complement testing
Pneumococcal, tetanus, and diphtheria antibody titers
Vaccine challenge testing (Pneumovax when appropriate)
CBC, CMP, ESR, and CRP
Tryptase and other mast-cell markers when indicated
Genetic testing when appropriate

Additional Diagnostic Tools

Spirometry when infections overlap with asthma or lung disease
Food allergy evaluation when reactions or symptoms suggest allergy
Chronic cough assessment
GI or stool testing when recurrent infections or symptoms involve the gut
Coordination with specialty centers for advanced testing when needed

Some children may require referral to pediatric immunology specialists at academic centers if higher-level testing or treatment is needed. We will guide and support that process.

Treatment Options and Ongoing Care

Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy

For appropriate patients, we evaluate, initiate, and coordinate:

IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin)
SCIG (subcutaneous immunoglobulin)

Our team assists with prior authorizations and collaborates with infusion centers or home-infusion services as needed.

Infection Prevention Strategies

Prophylactic antibiotics when appropriate
Optimized vaccination schedules
Personalized plans to reduce infection risk at home, school, and work
Guidance around sleep, nutrition, stress, and lifestyle factors that support immune health

Ongoing Monitoring

Regular follow-up visits
Repeat lab monitoring when indicated
Collaboration with hematology, infectious disease, genetics, or other specialists

Recurrent Infection Evaluation

We take a deeper look when you or your child are told “it is just another infection.” We evaluate patients with:

Chronic or recurrent sinusitis
Frequent ear infections
Recurrent bronchitis or pneumonia
Recurrent skin infections
Recurrent GI infections

Related Immune, Mast Cell, and Autonomic Conditions

Many chronic symptoms occur at the intersection of immune health, mast-cell activation, connective tissue differences, and autonomic dysfunction. Our practice is experienced in evaluating these overlaps and addressing the immune and allergic components of:

MCAS

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

For patients with flushing, hives, anaphylaxis-like reactions, medication or food sensitivities, brain fog, fatigue, or unexplained GI symptoms, we evaluate for mast-cell involvement.

Tryptase and other mast-cell related testing when appropriate
Careful review of symptom patterns and triggers
Treatment plans using H1/H2 blockers, leukotriene inhibitors, and mast-cell stabilizing strategies
Support around lifestyle and environmental triggers

Hypermobility

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum

Many individuals with hypermobility experience chronic sinus symptoms, frequent infections, GI issues, sensitivities, and rashes or hives.

We focus on the immune and allergic side of these conditions and collaborate with other specialists for musculoskeletal, pain, or genetic aspects of care.

POTS and Dysautonomia

POTS and Autonomic Symptoms

While POTS is primarily an autonomic nervous system disorder, it often overlaps with mast-cell activation, chronic infections, and sensitivities.

At CFMA, we evaluate the immune and mast-cell components that may contribute to POTS-like symptoms and coordinate with cardiology or neurology for full management.

Why Patients Choose Clearwater Family Medicine & Allergy

Detailed, root-cause approach to immune health
Evaluation for both common and complex immune concerns
Care for both adults and children, with referral support to pediatric academic centers when needed
Integration with allergy, asthma, eczema, sinus disease, and GI care
Clear education and guidance so you know what is happening and why
Telemedicine options available across Florida for appropriate visits

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral?

In many cases you can schedule directly. Some insurance plans may require a referral; our team can help you check your benefits.

Does insurance cover immunology testing?

Most standard labs and evaluations are covered, but coverage varies by plan. We can review typical testing and help you understand potential costs.

Can children be evaluated?

Yes. We evaluate children for suspected immunodeficiency, and when advanced testing or therapies are needed, we help coordinate referral to pediatric immunology specialists at academic centers.

Do you offer telemedicine?

Yes. For appropriate visits, we offer telemedicine throughout Florida, which can be especially helpful for follow-ups and care coordination.

What is a vaccine challenge test?

A vaccine challenge test is a safe, controlled way to see how your immune system responds to certain vaccines by checking antibody levels before and after vaccination.

Ready to Get Answers About Your Immune Health?

If you or your child are dealing with frequent infections, unexplained reactions, or complex symptoms, an immune evaluation can be an important next step.

Request an Immunology Evaluation

727-446-1097

IMMUNOLOGY

Immunodeficiency & Complex Immune Care