Immunodeficiency Treatments NYC - Dr. John Salerno

Compromised Immune System Treatments at Salerno Wellness in Manhattan, NY, and Connecticut

Living with a compromised immune system can make everyday life feel like an uphill battle. For more than 30 years, I’ve helped patients move beyond symptom management to uncover the true causes of their health concerns. Through integrative, functional, and complementary therapies, I focus on restoring balance and resilience so you can reclaim your vitality. 

-Dr. John Salerno

What is Immunodeficiency?

An immunodeficiency disorder occurs when your immune system's ability to protect your body from foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and fungi is weakened or absent. This condition, also known as a compromised immune system, leaves you vulnerable to frequent and often severe infections. The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together, and a defect in any part of this system can lead to an immunodeficiency. These disorders can be primary, meaning you are born with them, or secondary, meaning they are acquired later in life due to other factors.

A weakened immune response means your body cannot mount an effective defense, leading to prolonged illnesses and a higher risk of complications. Ultimately, immunodeficiency disrupts your body's essential defense mechanisms. This can range from mild issues that cause only a slight increase in infections to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding the nature of your specific immunodeficiency is the first step toward effective management and treatment.

Common Symptoms of Immunodeficiency

The signs of an immunodeficiency disorder can vary widely depending on the severity and the specific parts of the immune system affected. However, the most telling indicator is a pattern of recurrent, severe, or unusual infections that are difficult to treat. These symptoms significantly disrupt daily life and signal that the body's primary defense system is not functioning correctly.

• Frequent and Recurrent Infections: This is the hallmark symptom of immunodeficiency. You may experience repeated episodes of pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, ear infections, or skin infections that don't respond well to standard antibiotic courses.

• Inflammation and Infection of Internal Organs: A weakened immune system can lead to severe inflammation of internal organs. This may manifest as deep skin abscesses or liver, spleen, or other organ infections, which are uncommon in healthy individuals.

• Blood Disorders: Some immunodeficiencies can cause hematological issues, such as low platelet counts or anemia. These conditions occur because the immune system may mistakenly attack its own blood cells or fail to properly regulate blood cell production.

• Digestive Problems: Chronic digestive issues are common, including loss of appetite, nausea, cramping, and persistent diarrhea. These symptoms can be caused by chronic intestinal infections or inflammation resulting from the immune system's inability to control gut bacteria.

• Autoimmune Disorders: Paradoxically, a deficient immune system can also become dysregulated and attack the body's own tissues, leading to autoimmune conditions. This can include disorders like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or type 1 diabetes, complicating the clinical picture.

• Stunted Growth and Developmental Delays: In children, immunodeficiency can manifest as a failure to thrive. The sustained energy expenditure required to fight infections can lead to poor growth, low weight, and delays in achieving developmental milestones.

Common Causes of Compromised Immune Systems

Immunodeficiency disorders are broadly categorized by origin: primary or secondary. Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDDs) are genetic in nature, caused by inherited defects in the cells and proteins of the immune system. These are relatively rare and often become apparent during infancy or childhood, though some may not be diagnosed until adulthood. There are hundreds of different PIDDs, each resulting from a specific genetic mutation that impairs a particular immune function.

In contrast, secondary or acquired immunodeficiencies are far more common and develop later in life. Genetic flaws do not cause them; they result from external factors or other illnesses that damage the immune system. This can include chronic diseases like diabetes or kidney failure, certain types of cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma, and severe malnutrition, which deprives the body of the essential nutrients needed for immune cell production. Furthermore, some medical treatments, particularly chemotherapy and radiation for cancer, are designed to suppress cell division and can inadvertently destroy healthy immune cells.

Types of Immunodeficiency

Immunodeficiency disorders are classified according to the part of the immune system affected. Understanding the specific type is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan. Dr. John Salerno specializes in identifying and treating these complex conditions.

• B-cell (antibody) Deficiencies: These are the most common primary immunodeficiencies. They result from the immune system's inability to produce sufficient antibodies, which are proteins that identify and neutralize foreign invaders, such as bacteria.

• T-cell Deficiencies: These disorders affect the function of T-cells, which are crucial for coordinating the entire immune response and killing virus-infected cells. A deficiency in T cells can lead to severe, life-threatening infections, particularly from viruses and fungi.

• Combined B-cell and T-cell Deficiencies: Known as Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), these are among the most serious immunodeficiency disorders. Individuals with SCID have little to no functional B cells or T cells, leaving them highly vulnerable to all types of infections.

• Defective Phagocytes: Phagocytes are immune cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, that engulf and destroy pathogens. When these cells are defective in number or function, the body has difficulty fighting off bacterial and fungal infections.

• Complement Deficiencies: The complement system is a group of proteins that, together with antibodies, n  destroy bacteria and other invaders. A deficiency in these proteins can increase susceptibility to specific types of bacterial infections, particularly Neisseria.

Many have tried multiple rounds of antibiotics or other medications with only temporary relief. Dr. Salerno's approach is particularly suited for those who want to understand the underlying cause of their weakened immunity rather than just suppressing symptoms. Patients open to integrative treatments, including nutritional therapy, IV infusions, and targeted supplementation, will find great benefit. They are motivated to play an active role in their health journey and seek a practitioner with extensive experience in functional medicine to guide them toward lasting recovery and a restored quality of life.

Related Medical Conditions That Can Be Treated

A compromised immune system can either cause or worsen a variety of other health conditions, creating a complex web of symptoms and disorders. By addressing the underlying immunodeficiency, Dr. John Salerno can also effectively treat related problems. This integrative approach helps restore overall health by strengthening the body's core defense mechanisms.

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: This condition is characterized by profound, persistent fatigue that is not improved by rest. It is often linked to underlying immune dysfunction, where a state of chronic immune activation or deficiency drains the body's energy reserves.

• Autoimmune Diseases: In many cases, immunodeficiency leads to immune dysregulation, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This imbalance can drive conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.

• Recurrent Herpes and Shingles Outbreaks: Viruses such as herpes simplex and varicella-zoster (shingles) can remain dormant in the body after the initial infection. A weakened immune system is unable to keep these viruses in check, leading to frequent and painful outbreaks.

• Lyme Disease and Co-infections: Patients with immunodeficiency often have a much harder time recovering from tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease. A compromised immune response allows the bacteria to persist and spread, causing chronic, multi-systemic symptoms.



• Fibromyalgia: This disorder involves widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. There is growing evidence that immune system disturbances and chronic inflammation play a significant role in the development and persistence of fibromyalgia symptoms.

How Conventional Medicine Treats Immunodeficiency

The conventional medical approach to immunodeficiency primarily focuses on managing and preventing infections and, in some cases, replacing missing components of the immune system. For patients with antibody deficiencies, the standard treatment is immunoglobulin (IG) replacement therapy, which involves regular infusions of antibodies collected from donated plasma. This therapy helps provide the passive immunity that the patient's body cannot produce on its own. For frequent bacterial infections, doctors often prescribe long-term prophylactic antibiotics to prevent illnesses from taking hold.

In cases of severe immunodeficiencies like SCID, the most definitive treatment is a hematopoietic stem cell transplant, which aims to replace the patient's defective immune system with a healthy donor immune system. Antiviral and antifungal medications are also used to treat or prevent specific infections common in immunocompromised individuals. While these methods are often life-saving, they primarily address the consequences of immunodeficiency rather than all contributing factors or related dysfunctions in the body.

How Dr. John Salerno Treats Immunodeficiency

With over 30 years of experience, Dr. John Salerno utilizes a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to treating immunodeficiency that goes beyond conventional methods. His philosophy is centered on identifying and correcting the root causes of immune dysfunction through advanced diagnostic testing and personalized therapies. Treatment begins with a deep dive into a patient's health history, lifestyle, and environmental exposures to build a complete picture of their condition. Dr. Salerno then employs cutting-edge functional medicine testing to uncover nutritional deficiencies, hidden infections, and metabolic imbalances that contribute to a weakened immune state.

• A cornerstone of his practice is advanced IV nutritional therapy, including powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant treatments like IV Curcumin.

• For patients with antibody deficiencies, he provides specialized IVIG Therapy to replenish crucial immunoglobulins.



• He has achieved patient success by administering high-quality supplements, such as his proprietary Immune Factor Plus, which provides key nutrients and botanicals that support robust immune cell function and overall resilience. This integrative strategy aims to rebuild the immune system from the ground up, restoring its natural strength and balance for long-term health.

Possible Side Effects of Treatment

The treatments used by Dr. John Salerno are selected for their high degree of safety and tolerability, with a focus on supporting the body's natural healing processes. Most therapies, such as nutritional counseling and oral supplementation, have minimal to no side effects. For IV therapies, side effects are typically mild and temporary, such as a feeling of warmth during the infusion or minor bruising at the injection site. Some patients might experience brief fatigue or a headache following an IV treatment as the body processes the powerful nutrients.

With IVIG therapy, potential reactions can include headache, flushing, or chills, but these are carefully managed by controlling the infusion rate and pre-medicating if necessary. Dr. Salerno and his experienced medical team closely monitor every patient during treatment to ensure their comfort and safety, making adjustments as needed. The goal is always to provide effective therapy with the lowest possible risk, promoting healing without adding an undue burden to the patient's system.

What Can Happen if Immunodeficiency is Left Untreated?

Ignoring the signs of immunodeficiency can lead to a cascade of serious and potentially life-threatening health consequences. When the immune system is unable to function properly, the body remains in a constant state of vulnerability. This leads to infections that are not only more frequent but also more severe and longer-lasting, with a higher risk of spreading and causing permanent damage to organs like the lungs, sinuses, and liver. For example, recurrent pneumonia can lead to irreversible lung scarring and impaired respiratory function.

Over time, the chronic inflammation and constant battle against pathogens can exhaust the body, leading to profound fatigue and a severely diminished quality of life. Furthermore, an untreated and dysregulated immune system increases the risk of developing certain types of cancers and autoimmune disorders. Without intervention, the body's defenses continue to weaken, making recovery from any illness a significant challenge and turning common infections into major medical events.

Patient Case Study

Maria, a 42-year-old marketing executive, came to Dr. John Salerno after years of battling recurrent sinus infections, persistent fatigue, and an overall feeling of being unwell. She had seen multiple specialists and had been on numerous courses of antibiotics, which provided only temporary relief before the next infection would inevitably begin. Her work and family life were suffering, as she lacked the energy for daily tasks and frequently had to take sick days. Frustrated and losing hope, she sought an alternative to the conventional cycle of medication.

Dr. Salerno conducted comprehensive functional testing, which revealed several underlying issues, including a borderline antibody deficiency, significant vitamin D and zinc deficiencies, and evidence of a chronic, low-grade viral infection. He started Maria on a personalized protocol that included weekly IV Curcumin infusions to reduce systemic inflammation and high-dose IV Vitamin C to support her immune response. He also prescribed Immune Factor Plus and other targeted nutrients to correct her deficiencies and initiated IVIG Therapy to bolster her antibody levels. Within two months, Maria reported a dramatic reduction in the frequency and severity of her infections. After six months of consistent treatment, her energy levels had returned to normal, and she felt healthier and more resilient than she had in over a decade.

Why Patients Choose Dr. John Salerno for Their Immune System Treatments in NYC and CT

Patients from all over the country choose Dr. John Salerno because of his unique ability to solve complex medical puzzles that have baffled other physicians. With more than three decades of pioneering work in functional and integrative medicine, he brings unmatched depth of experience to the field. He is known for his compassionate, patient-centered approach, taking the time to listen and understand the full scope of a person's health struggles. Unlike practitioners who focus solely on symptoms,

Dr. Salerno is dedicated to uncovering and treating the root cause of illness, leading to more profound and lasting healing. Patients appreciate his commitment to using the most advanced diagnostic tools and innovative therapies available. They find hope in his positive and reassuring demeanor, backed by a long track record of success with even the most challenging cases. His reputation is built on results, helping thousands of patients reclaim their health and vitality when they thought it was no longer possible.

Through a personalized combination of advanced diagnostics, IV nutritional therapies like IV Curcumin and IVIG Therapy, and targeted supplementation with formulas such as Immune Factor Plus, he helps rebuild your immune resilience. Stop the cycle of illness and start your journey back to optimal health and vitality. Regain control of your well-being and discover a future free of constant illness. Contact Salerno Wellness today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a stronger, healthier you.

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