When your body can't make enough antibodies to fight off infections, you might be dealing with Common Variable Immunodeficiency, a disorder where the immune system fails to produce sufficient antibodies, leading to frequent and severe infections. Also known as CVID, it's not rare—about 1 in 25,000 people have it, and many go years without a proper diagnosis.
Without treatment, CVID leads to recurring sinus infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, and even long-term lung damage. The core fix is immunoglobulin therapy, a treatment that replaces the missing antibodies your body can't make. This isn't a cure, but it stops the cycle of infection. You get it through IV infusions every 3 to 4 weeks, or as weekly under-the-skin shots. Many people live normal lives once they start this treatment. But it’s not one-size-fits-all: some need higher doses, others respond better to one delivery method over another. Your doctor will adjust based on your infection history and blood antibody levels.
What you do outside the clinic matters too. antibody replacement, the medical term for immunoglobulin therapy helps, but it doesn’t protect you from everything. Avoiding sick people, washing hands often, and staying up to date on vaccines (except live ones) are basics. Some people with CVID also develop gut problems or autoimmune conditions, so tracking symptoms beyond infections is key. You might need extra tests for liver, lung, or digestive health over time.
There’s no magic pill for CVID. Supplements won’t fix it. Herbal remedies won’t boost your antibody levels. The only proven treatment is replacing what your body lacks. But the good news? Most people who stick with immunoglobulin therapy see fewer hospital visits, less antibiotic use, and better quality of life. The challenge is staying consistent—missing doses means infections come back fast.
What you’ll find below are real-world stories and practical guides on managing CVID treatment. From how to handle infusion side effects to what to ask your doctor when infections keep happening, these posts cut through the noise. You’ll see how people balance life with regular treatments, what lab results to watch, and why some patients end up with complications others don’t. This isn’t theory—it’s what works for people living with CVID every day.
Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) is a serious antibody deficiency that causes frequent infections and chronic illness. Learn how immunoglobulin therapy helps manage symptoms, why diagnosis is often delayed, and what new treatments are on the horizon.
