Common Variable Immunodeficiency

Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) is a condition where the body's immune system doesn't work as well as it should. This means the body produces fewer of the important proteins that fight off infections. As a result, people with CVID often get sick more frequently. They might experience repeated infections in their ears, sinuses, and respiratory system (the parts of the body involved in breathing).

This weakened immune system can also increase the risk of other health problems. These include issues with the digestive system, conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues (autoimmune disorders), blood disorders, and even some types of cancer.

CVID can sometimes run in families, meaning it can be inherited from parents to their children.

People with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) experience a wide range of symptoms, and the severity varies greatly from person to person. Sometimes, these symptoms start during childhood or the teenage years. However, many people don't notice any problems until they're older adults.

A hallmark of CVID is a tendency toward frequent infections. These infections can be quite common and include issues like pneumonia (lung infections), sinusitis (sinus infections), ear infections, and problems in the digestive system (gastrointestinal infections). It's important to note that these repeated infections often happen before a person is diagnosed with CVID.