Immune System & Infection-Triggered Disorders

The symptoms of immune system and infection-triggered disorders may resemble other childhood illnesses; however, Daniel Shtraykher, DO, FAAP, and his team are experts in providing accurate diagnoses and effective care. If your child struggles with persistent fatigue, low-grade fever, rashes, or joint inflammation, book a consultation today at Pediatric Neuro-Immune Care in the Midwood neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. You can call the office or request an appointment online.

What are immune system and infection-triggered disorders?

If your child has had a past or ongoing infection, it can cause their immune system to overreact. When this happens, the body’s defenses backfire and start attacking healthy tissues, including vital areas like the brain, nervous system, or joints.

This immune overreaction can lead to neuropsychiatric symptoms, fatigue, inflammation, and a range of other issues that can persist long after the original infection has resolved.

What triggers immune system and infection-triggered disorders?

Some of the most common infections linked to immune-triggered disorders include:

• Strep throat (Group A Streptococcus)
• Mycoplasma pneumoniae
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which causes mono
• Lyme disease
• COVID-19 and other viral infections

Dr. Shtraykher also offers treatment for PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), which can be triggered by infections and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections).

Additionally, while mold exposure and environmental toxins are not an infection, they can trigger your child’s immune system.

What are the symptoms of immune system and infection-triggered disorders?

Because your child’s symptoms can overlap with other ailments, diagnosing immune system and infection-triggered disorders can be tricky, but also crucial. Talk to Dr. Shtraykher if your child exhibits:

• Fatigue or chronic tiredness
• Joint pain or muscle aches
• Headaches
• Digestive issues (nausea, abdominal pain)
• Temperature dysregulation (chills, low-grade fevers)
• Skin rashes or sensitivity

They may also experience neurological and mental health symptoms, such as:

• Sudden or extreme anxiety, OCD, or phobias
• Tics or involuntary movements
• Mood swings, irritability, rage episodes
• Sleep problems or insomnia
• Difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”)
• Memory issues
• Sensory sensitivities (light, sound, touch)

These symptoms often show up abruptly and can seem unrelated to the original infection.

How are immune system and infection-triggered disorders diagnosed and treated?

Dr. Shtraykher begins with a thorough evaluation, including reviewing your child’s medical history and symptoms, ordering lab tests, and eliminating potential causes. He provides personalized therapies to calm your child’s immune system, treat any active infections, and help with healing.

Depending on the infection, he may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medications. He may also include treatments to reduce inflammation, modulate their immune response, and regulate their nervous system.

When worrying symptoms arise, especially suddenly, document your child’s symptoms, triggers, and changes in behavior and schedule an appointment promptly. Contact Pediatric Neuro-Immune Care by phone or online today to protect their health and your peace of mind.