Top 10 warning signs your child may have an immunodeficiency

Four or more ear infections within one year
Frequent middle ear infections (otitis media) that don’t clear easily.

Two or more serious sinus infections within one year
These are more than just mild colds—deep, prolonged, or recurrent sinusitis.

Two or more months on antibiotics with little effect
Needing prolonged courses or finding antibiotics don’t resolve infections.

Two or more pneumonias within one year
Chest X-ray confirmed lung infections, especially if recurrent.

Failure of an infant to gain weight or grow normally
Known as “failure to thrive,” possibly linked to chronic infections.

Recurrent, deep skin or organ abscesses
Abscesses in the skin, liver, lungs, or other organs that recur.

Persistent thrush in the mouth or fungal infection on the skin
Especially if it continues after age one or keeps coming back.

Need for intravenous antibiotics to clear infections
Suggests oral antibiotics are not sufficient to manage illness.

Two or more deep-seated infections including septicaemia
Such as meningitis, osteomyelitis, or blood infections.

A family history of primary immunodeficiency
Close relatives with diagnosed PID increase the risk.