Unraveling the Mystery: How Immunodeficiency Led to Baby Quan’s Recurrent Pneumonia and Hospitalizations

Baby Quan, a five-year-old boy, has been hospitalized multiple times in the past three years for pneumonia and ear infections. This time, after experiencing symptoms like a high fever, cough with phlegm, and runny nose with green fluid, the doctor diagnosed him with immunodeficiency. Despite being prescribed antibiotics for a week, his condition did not improve, leading to emergency treatment at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.

On June 18th, Dr. Vo Thi Minh Tuyen diagnosed Baby Quan with bronchopneumonia and left pleural effusion. Blood tests revealed suspected infection based on the results. The family reported that the child had been hospitalized multiple times before for pneumonia and otitis media, with each treatment lasting 1-3 weeks. X-ray results confirmed recurrent pneumonia in Baby Quan.

Dr. Tuyen suspected that the recurring infections were due to immunodeficiency and ordered blood tests to quantify immunoglobulins IgG, IgM, and IgA. Results showed deficiencies in all antibodies but particularly IgG, which was significantly below the normal threshold. This immunodeficiency made Baby Quan susceptible to viruses and bacteria, leading to frequent illnesses and relapses.

To treat Baby Quan’s condition, Dr. Tuyen utilized antibiotics for pneumonia along with an infusion of Gamma globulin to strengthen his immune system. After a week of hospitalization and product infusion, his immune indexes returned to normal levels, and he was discharged from the hospital.

Children with congenital immunodeficiency like Quan can still lead healthy lives if given regular antibody infusions and proper care from their parents or guardians.

Dr. Tuyen emphasized the importance of early detection and prompt treatment for children with immunodeficiency to improve their quality of life.

Parents play a crucial role in ensuring their child’s wellbeing by providing them with necessary care and support while following proper hygiene practices and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

By seeking appropriate medical treatments when necessary, children with immunodeficiency can manage their condition effectively and prevent severe infections that could lead to long-term complications or even death if left untreated.