Immune deficiencies in children
All young children get infections — that’s a normal part of building an immune system. But some children get infections that are unusually frequent, unusually severe, or caused by unusual bugs. That pattern deserves a proper immunology assessment.
As a paediatric immunologist, Dr O’Reilly investigates how a child’s immune system is working, distinguishes normal childhood illness from something more, and — where a deficiency is found — builds a long-term care plan.
Why Dr O’Reilly
Specialist care, not a fifteen-minute appointment
Dr Elize O’Reilly (BMedSci, MBBS(Hons), MHL, FRACP) is a paediatric immunologist and allergist and a general paediatrician — the specialist in the room at every appointment. Care at Little Reactions is unhurried, evidence-based and explained in plain language, and your GP stays in the loop with letters you can both read.
- FRACP specialist
- Paediatric-only practice
- Same-day test results
How we investigate
The aim is a clear answer: reassurance where the immune system is normal, and a precise diagnosis where it isn’t:
- A structured infection history — what, how often, how severe, and how treated
- Targeted blood tests of the immune system’s key components, staged so your child only has the tests they need
- Vaccine-response testing where it clarifies the picture
- Referral pathways to tertiary immunology services for rare or complex findings
Ongoing care
Where a deficiency is confirmed, care is long-term and shared with your GP:
- A management plan matched to the specific diagnosis
- Infection-prevention strategies, immunisation planning and early-treatment plans
- Monitoring of growth, development and general paediatric health alongside the immune condition
- Coordination with hospital specialists where advanced therapy is needed
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