Why do I keep getting one respiratory infection after another?
Summary
Recurrent respiratory infections usually signal either repeated exposure to contagious germs, an under-performing immune system, or an unrecognized airway problem such as allergies, asthma, or chronic sinus disease. Identifying and fixing the underlying trigger—often environmental or immunologic—greatly cuts infection frequency.
Is my immune system or my environment the main reason I’m always sick?
Roughly 80 % of adults who report six or more colds a year have an identifiable immune or exposure issue. “Most patients don’t realize that small, correctable factors—like an undiagnosed dust-mite allergy—can keep the immune system in a constant pro-inflammatory state,” says Sina Hartung, MMSC-BMI.
- Close contact with young children multiplies viral exposureParents of preschoolers inhale up to 6 times more rhinovirus particles than adults without young kids, explaining frequent colds.
- Low vitamin D leaves immune cells sluggishPeople with 25-OH vitamin D below 20 ng/mL experience 36 % more respiratory infections per year.
- Hidden asthma promotes mucus poolingUntreated mild asthma narrows airways just enough to trap bacteria, setting off repeated bronchitis episodes.
- Chronic sinusitis recycles germsA blocked sinus cavity can drip infected mucus into the throat for months, seeding new lung infections.
- Second-hand smoke doubles infection riskNon-smokers exposed to household smoke get twice as many lower-respiratory infections as smoke-free peers.
- Needing multiple antibiotic courses signals immune deficiencyAdults who require more than two rounds of antibiotics in a single year meet clinical red-flag criteria that prompt allergists to test for primary immunodeficiencies. (AAAAI)
- Three or more respiratory infections a year merit immune testingExperts advise that experiencing three or more significant respiratory infections within 12 months should trigger an evaluation for an underlying immune problem rather than assuming bad luck or exposure alone. (SELF)
References
- AAAAI: https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/immuno-deficiency/recurrent-infections-immunodeficiencies
- SELF: https://www.self.com/story/recurrent-infections-immune-system
- Verywell: https://www.verywellhealth.com/recurrent-respiratory-infections-in-adults-4777146
- WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/lung/copd/keep-getting-infections
Which symptoms mean my recurring infections are a red flag?
A cold that lingers beyond 10–14 days or moves to the chest repeatedly can hide a serious disorder. “Persistent fever above 101 °F or blood-tinged mucus warrants same-day medical review,” warns the team at Eureka Health.
- Fever over 101 °F lasting more than 3 daysA prolonged high temperature suggests bacterial pneumonia or influenza rather than a simple cold.
- Shortness of breath at restResting breathlessness can indicate asthma flare, COPD exacerbation, or heart failure infection synergy.
- Unintentional weight lossLosing 5 % of body weight in six weeks while battling infections raises concern for immune deficiency or cancer.
- Night sweats that soak clothingDrenching sweats may point to tuberculosis or lymphoma, both of which can masquerade as ‘recurrent bronchitis’.
- More than two antibiotic courses in a year is a warning signAdults who need over two rounds of antibiotics annually to clear respiratory infections should be evaluated for an underlying immune deficiency. (AAAAI)
- Wet cough persisting beyond 4–8 weeks suggests possible bronchiectasisA chronic, productive cough that lingers for several weeks can indicate airway damage from conditions like bronchiectasis rather than a routine cold. (NIH)
Could an allergy or airway disease be the hidden culprit?
Up to 60 % of adults referred to pulmonology for ‘repeat bronchitis’ actually have uncontrolled allergic rhinitis or asthma. Sina Hartung, MMSC-BMI notes, “When the nasal lining stays inflamed, viruses gain easy entry and bacteria stick around longer.”
- Dust-mite and mold allergies drive year-round congestionChronic stuffiness blocks mucus drainage, letting viruses replicate unchecked.
- Asthma inflames lower airways continuallyInflamed bronchi spend weeks healing after each virus, making the next bug hit harder.
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux bathes the throat in acidAcid micro-aspiration irritates airways, lowering resistance to respiratory syncytial virus by 30 % in studies.
- Deviated nasal septum creates stagnant pocketsPoor airflow areas foster bacterial biofilms that seed new infections.
- Nasal polyps obstruct sinus outflow and invite chronic infectionVerywell Health notes that structural problems like nasal polyps prevent the nose from filtering pathogens, making persistent or repeat sinus infections much more likely. (Verywell)
- COPD-associated airway damage fosters Haemophilus influenzae colonizationA Frontiers in Immunology review reports that chronic inflammation in COPD changes the airway microbiome, creating a “vicious circle” that leads to frequent infections and bronchitis exacerbations. (Frontiers)
What daily habits lower my infection count the fastest?
Small behaviour changes can cut respiratory illnesses in half within one season. The team at Eureka Health says, “Patients who wash hands before every meal and after public transport report 40 % fewer colds.”
- Ventilate your bedroom for 10 minutes morning and nightFresh air drops indoor viral particle counts by 20 – 30 %.
- Saline nasal rinses twice dailyA meta-analysis showed a 62 % reduction in viral load and faster mucus clearance.
- Maintain serum vitamin D above 30 ng/mLDiscuss supplements or safe sun exposure with your clinician; adequate levels strengthen antimicrobial peptides.
- Aim for 7 – 8 hours of sleepAdults sleeping under six hours were 4.2 times more likely to develop a cold after rhinovirus exposure.
- Quit or strictly limit smoking and vapingCilia recover within eight weeks of cessation, boosting mucus clearance.
- Wash hands thoroughly and keep them away from your faceMedicineNet emphasizes that scrubbing with soap for at least 20 seconds before meals and after public contact, then avoiding eye-, nose- and mouth-touching, is one of the most effective ways to block respiratory viruses. (MedNet)
- Fill half your plate with immune-supporting fruits and vegetablesHealthline notes that diets abundant in colorful produce, whole grains and probiotic foods supply antioxidants and micronutrients that reduce the likelihood of repeated colds and other acute respiratory infections. (Healthline)
Which tests and treatments help identify and stop the cycle?
Targeted labs and sometimes preventive medications can reveal correctable issues behind frequent infections. “We often start with a complete blood count and immunoglobulin panel; low IgG instantly changes the treatment path,” explains Sina Hartung, MMSC-BMI.
- Serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM)Levels below age-adjusted normals signal common variable immune deficiency, treatable with monthly infusions.
- Allergy skin testing or specific IgE blood testsPositive results guide antihistamine or immunotherapy plans that lower infection frequency.
- Spirometry with bronchodilator responseConfirms asthma, allowing inhaled corticosteroid therapy that halves future viral chest infections.
- High-resolution sinus CTFinds occult sinusitis requiring targeted antibiotics or surgery.
- Appropriate vaccines, timed correctlyAnnual influenza and periodic pneumococcal shots reduce hospitalised respiratory infections by up to 70 %.
- Oral bacterial lysate (OM-85) lowers the number and severity of respiratory infectionsRandomised trials of the immunostimulant Broncho-Vaxom (OM-85) report fewer episodes and shorter illness duration, making it an option when standard vaccines and inhaled therapies are not enough. (PubMed)
- Rapid multiplex PCR of nasal or throat samples guides care within hoursDetecting a viral cause early reduces unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and speeds appropriate antiviral or supportive treatment, helping break the infection–antibiotic–dysbiosis cycle. (PMC)
How can Eureka’s AI doctor assist when I feel another infection starting?
Eureka’s AI doctor takes your symptom description, checks against guideline-based decision trees, and suggests next steps—often within 90 seconds. The team at Eureka Health notes, “Our system flags red-alert signs like resting pulse ≥ 120 and recommends ER care immediately.”
- Instant triage guidanceInput cough, fever, or wheeze data and receive severity grading aligned with WHO criteria.
- Smart lab and imaging suggestionsIf patterns suggest immune deficiency, the AI recommends IgG testing that a clinician can review and order.
- Medication optimisation remindersIt reminds users to start their preventive inhaler at the first cold symptom, a strategy that cut exacerbations by 45 % in pilot users.
Why do recurrent-infection patients rate Eureka 4.8 / 5 and keep using it?
Beyond triage, Eureka securely stores your episode history, letting both you and medical reviewers spot trends. “Seeing a timeline of every fever spike and antibiotic course helps us decide whether to order advanced immunology tests,” says Sina Hartung, MMSC-BMI.
- Private, encrypted health journalOnly you and the reviewing clinician can see your data—never advertisers.
- Custom treatment plans updated in real timeWhen a doctor adjusts your inhaler dose, the app notifies you instantly with calendar reminders.
- Seamless prescription refillsEureka routes renewal requests to our medical team; most are approved within 24 hours if appropriate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can repeated COVID-19 infections weaken my lungs long term?
Most mild cases heal fully, but multiple bouts within a year increase the odds of persistent cough or shortness of breath; lung function tests can check for damage.
Is it normal for adults to catch 4 colds a year?
Yes—2 – 4 viral colds annually is average, but more than 6 suggests an underlying problem worth evaluation.
Do probiotics prevent respiratory infections?
Certain Lactobacillus strains showed a 12 % reduction in colds in trials, but benefits vary; they are an adjunct, not a cure-all.
Will removing my tonsils stop the infections?
Tonsillectomy helps only if you have documented recurrent tonsillitis; it does not prevent viral colds or bronchitis.
How soon after starting allergy shots will I see fewer infections?
Most adults notice less congestion after 3–6 months, with infection rates dropping in the first year.
Can air purifiers make a real difference?
HEPA filters remove up to 99 % of airborne viral particles and can lower household infection spread, especially in small spaces.
Are frequent antibiotics harming my gut?
Yes—each 7-day course can disrupt microbiome diversity for months; preventing infections is safer than repeated antibiotic treatment.