Irritation and rashes on the skin, difficulty breathing, itching are all clear signs of an allergy. Allergy - literally translated from Latin "another reaction" - is the body's response to incoming irritants. The substance can enter the body through the skin, inhalation or ingestion.
An “irritant” that causes an allergy is not necessarily a harmful substance, it’s just that the body of a particular person cannot cope with it. Despite the fact that allergens are individual for each person, the experience of many years has allowed doctors to compile a list of products that in many cases have a negative reaction (increases).
It includes: citrus fruits, exotic fruits and vegetables, eggs, sea fish, milk, honey and spices, chocolate, dust, perfumes and all cosmetics, chemical aerosols, tree and flower pollen. An allergic reaction can also occur to some fabrics, animals (especially those with a lot of wool), furniture upholstery and paint.
For a long time, the cause and mechanism of an allergic reaction was a question for scientists. In the middle of the twentieth century, the term immunoglobulin E was first used in medical practice. This substance is constantly contained in a small amount in the blood serum. In a person prone to allergic reactions, the amount of immunoglobulin E is constantly increased.
At the moment, the mechanism of inheritance is not known for certain, but, as practice shows, about 80 percent of allergic children are born in couples with high levels of immunoglobulin E in the blood and are prone to allergies.
This substance is produced in the submucosal layer of tissues by beta-lymphocytes - cells of the immune system - in response to a foreign agent entering the human body. At its core, immunoglobulin E is a protein substance. These antibodies are attached to the outer cell membrane or mast cells, where the synthesis of specialized biologically active substances that respond to the ingress of a foreign agent occurs.
Over time, doctors began to further subdivide immunoglobulin E into the first and second types. Immunoglobulin E type 1 and appears in the body during an allergic reaction of an immediate type. Once this substance has come into contact with a foreign agent, an allergic reaction begins.
The reaction process occurs in two stages: early and delayed.
First of all, vascular permeability increases, involuntary muscle contractions occur, even convulsions are possible, and the work of the mucous glands is accelerated. At this moment, a person begins to feel intense thirst, a feeling of hunger may appear.
Then the human body instantly begins to produce hormones - serotonin and histamine. These substances activate the production of anti-inflammatory substances - prostaglandides, interleukins and others. They act locally on the affected tissue or organ, preventing the inflammatory process from developing, or reducing its pathological properties. Due to this, allergy manifestations occur, such as rash, swelling and other clinical signs.
Why is it prescribed and what does the analysis for immunoglobulin E show?
A blood test for immunoglobulin E is prescribed very often. However, most medical professionals are of the opinion that the testimony of immunoglobulin E alone will not give a complete picture of the state of the immune system and the doctor will not be able to identify the cause of the deviation.
The study is carried out by two main methods: this is a radioallergosorbent test and enzyme immunoassay. A radioallergoadsorbent test shows the level of immunoglobulin when a certain allergen is added to the blood. If at the same time immunoglobulin E rises, the analysis is positive, if not, it is negative. There is a large error in the blood test, and it can only be effective in diagnosing allergies. The second technique is recognized as much more accurate and modern.
Enzyme immunoassay determines the amount of immunoglobulin E in the blood using the antigen-antibody method, which makes it possible to consider the result of the study as reliable as possible.
The amount of immunoglobulins is also constantly tested when testing new drugs and other medical developments. Patients receiving chemotherapy treatment should also constantly monitor the content of immunoglobulin E in serum and donate blood not only for a general analysis.
Immunoglobulin E is synthesized for the first time in the body of the embryo at 10-11 weeks of fetal development and its amount rapidly increases until the moment of birth.
Then the rate of increase decreases, but still continues to go up, stabilizing in adolescence 11-14 years. In elderly people over 55 years of age, the content of immunoglobulin E in the blood gradually decreases, in some cases it stops being synthesized altogether.
In order to find out the level of immunoglobulin E, a laboratory analysis of venous blood is performed. First, the serum is separated, and then the amount of immunoglobulin is determined by a special test.
How to take an analysis?
Preparation for an Ig E blood test does not require much effort. There are a few simple rules:
- Tests are taken in the morning, before blood sampling, you can not eat food and drink water.
- Two days before the analysis, it is necessary to exclude fatty, fried, salty and spicy foods from your diet.
- Exclude allergens and spices a day before the test.
- One day before donating blood for analysis, you can not drink alcohol, as well as smoke and use drugs.
- Do not use drugs, except for those that a person takes constantly for 14 days before blood sampling.
- It is impossible to take an analysis less than a day after the physiotherapy procedures, as well as an x-ray examination.
- More than two weeks must have elapsed after returning from another country or city.
- It is necessary to abandon increased physical activity one to two days before the test.
Immunoglobulin E and its norm are very vague, therefore, for the reliability of the result, it is necessary to warn the attending physician or laboratory assistant about the presence of chronic diseases, pregnancy, the postpartum period, menstruation, or the period of breastfeeding. It will also not be superfluous to donate blood for a general blood test.
Deciphering indicators
When deciphering the resulting result, one should remember about the individual characteristics of the organism, the standard of living, the work of a person and other features. In winter, the level of immunoglobulin E in human blood will normally be lower than in summer. The maximum rise in values occurs in April-May and in August-September. Low immunoglobulin E is more common in residents of the northern regions than in residents of the southern regions, and in residents of regions with high humidity, the indicator is lower, and with dry air it is higher. However, studies show that if a person has lived all his life in a warm place, and then moved north, then a sharp rise in indicators is possible.
Total immunoglobulin E is significantly overestimated among workers in mines, sawmills, pharmaceutical and perfume companies, metallurgical and chemical industries. There are many more factors that affect the normal content of immunoglobulin E, so only a doctor can give an accurate decoding of the analysis.
Norms in adults
Norm of immunoglobulin E in an adult healthy person over 18 years old, living in the middle lane, is from 20 to 100 kU / liter for women and from 25 to 105 kU / liter for men. In pregnant women, the normal level of immunoglobulin E ranges from 15 to 125 kU / liter. From the beginning of April to the middle of June and from the beginning of August to the end of September, the standards for adults can range from 35 to 225 kU / liter. In people over 55 years of age, the norm of immunoglobulin E is from 15 to 80 kU / liter, in people over 65 years old from 15 to 70 kU / liter, in people over 75 years old from 10 to 50 kU / liter.
Each laboratory has its own markers, which are set on the basis of the research methods, the accuracy of the instruments and the difference in reagents. In this regard, only the laboratory that accepts it can give the most accurate analysis standards.
Norms in children
| Child's age. | Content of immunoglobulin in blood serum. |
| Newborn | 0-1 kU/liter |
| 1 – 2 months | 0-2 kU/liter |
| 3 – 6 months | 3-10 kU/liter |
| 7 – 12 months | 8-15 kU/liter |
| 1 – 2 years | 10-20 kU/liter |
| 25 years | 10-50 kU/liter |
| 5 – 12 years old | 15-50 kU/liter |
| 12 - 15 years old (girls) | 30-90 kU/liter |
| 12 - 15 years old (boys) | 25-80 kU/liter |
| 15 – 18 years old | 20-100 kU/liter |
It should be noted that the analysis for immunoglobulin E in children of the first year of life who are bottle-fed is normally 2 units higher than in their peers who receive breast milk. It must be borne in mind that every time a new product is introduced into the diet of an infant, antibodies are released - the level of immunoglobulin E first rises, and then returns to normal. In children born prematurely or with serious birth injuries, only the attending physician can adequately assess the normal level of immunoglobulin E by the age of the child.
To obtain a reliable test result in an infant, it should not be fed for 3 hours with formula or for 2 hours with breast milk. Immediately before taking a blood test, the baby should be given 20-60 ml of warm boiled water to drink.
What to do with an elevated level of immunoglobulin E?
It should be noted that a decrease in the content of immunoglobulin E in human blood is not a good sign. This may be the result of genetic pathologies or oncological diseases. Particular attention should be paid to the decrease in immunoglobulin E in children of the first five years of life.
Algorithm of action in case of deviation from the norm of immunoglobulin E:
- Calm down and analyze life before analysis. Note whether you had to deal with stress or eat exotic food, perhaps there were other factors that influenced the result.
- Retake the analysis, if possible, in another laboratory. You should be especially careful about the preparation.
- If the result leaves much to be desired again, you should definitely consult an immunologist for a treatment appointment.
Drug treatment of elevated immunoglobulin E
It should be understood that an increased level of immunoglobulin E in the blood serum is not a disease, but a symptom of the disease. And you should not treat an increased rate, but get rid of the cause of its increase. In this case, it is very dangerous to engage in self-medication, only a doctor will select the right medicines.
How to lower the level of folk remedies
The experience of past generations has helped create many traditional medicines to lower the level of immunoglobulin E in human blood.
Folk remedies are a method of treatment, but for their selection it is better to consult a specialist. It should be remembered that for a speedy recovery, you should lead a healthy lifestyle, take at least 2.5 liters of clean water every day and, of course, follow the doctor's recommendations.
These simple conditions will help everyone to live a long and happy life!
Quite diverse in structure. It includes both some organs (for example, the spleen, thymus, lymph nodes) and cells (leukocytes, lymphocytes). The main role is played mainly by cells that synthesize special substances - immunoglobulins. They are responsible for the development of immune and allergic reactions.
Immunoglobulin E plays a special role in the development of allergies.
What is this substance
Immunoglobulin E is a special molecule that is located in the submucosal layer of many tissues and organs. It has a high affinity for many cells, which is why it is predominantly in a bound state in the body. In the blood plasma in a free form, it is practically not determined.
In the human body, this fraction of immunoglobulins is responsible for the development of an allergic reaction (type 1 hypersensitivity reaction).
The time for which half of the immunoglobulin present in the immunoglobulin disintegrates is 3 days. Much more time it is on the cell membranes (mainly obese, widely located on the surface of the bronchial mucosa) - about two weeks.
The level of this substance changes throughout life. Normally, in adults, total IgE is about 20-100 kU / l. In children, the concentration is much lower - in newborns it is not (normal 0-3); as they grow older, the concentration gradually increases.
Causes of an increase in the level of allergic immunoglobulin
Like any indicator, the level of this molecule can fluctuate depending on the conditions of the internal environment of the body.
IgE is generally elevated in diseases such as dermatitis and allergic rhinitis. These diseases begin to manifest themselves from childhood and often persist in adults. An increase in the level of immunoglobulin indicates that the body is sensitized (has a high sensitivity and risk of developing allergies) to many allergens (substances that can cause an allergic reaction).
In children, total IgE is elevated in many diseases, and not only in those mentioned above. Such diseases include allergic aspergillosis, helminthiasis, Job syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich, etc.
An increase in the concentration of immunoglobulin in newborns indicates a high risk of developing atopic diseases from the first days of life.
Low levels of immune substances
A decrease in the level of all immunoglobulins can be observed in many diseases accompanied by either damage to the thymus (in childhood) or systemic immunodeficiency, which can have many causes.
Damage to the bone marrow and liver (in children) leads to a decrease not only in total IgE, but also in other fractions of immunoglobulins. This happens due to the fact that the main cells responsible for the synthesis of these substances - B-lymphocytes - are affected.
The main function of B-lymphocytes is the synthesis of active substances that take part in the destruction of foreign agents.
In case of damage (hepatitis, radiation, tumor process, massive injuries of the musculoskeletal system), the B-cell germ is also damaged, which, as a result, contributes to a decrease in the level of all immunoglobulins. It is no exception that the total IgE is reduced.
One of the common causes of a decrease in the level of class E immunoglobulins is a disease such as ataxia-telangiectasia.
The mechanism of development of an allergic reaction
How does an allergic reaction develop due to this class of immunoglobulins? If the total IgE is elevated, then the following picture can be observed (the most striking example of an allergic reaction of the first type is asthma).
First, the body is sensitized, i.e., in response to a specific antigen entering the body, these immunoglobulins are produced. They are transported with the blood stream to the vessels of the respiratory system (mainly the bronchi) and settle in the mucous membrane. When the antigen hits again, immunoglobulins that have already “inhabited” the mucosa cause the activation of specific cells (mast and goblet cells). They, in turn, produce inflammatory mediators - histamine, serotonin, heparin, which have a constrictor effect (cause contraction of smooth muscle cells of the mucous membrane). Due to this, the lumen of the bronchus decreases, which leads to a significant difficulty in exhalation. This is how asthma develops.
Analysis for immunoglobulins
When the first symptoms of allergy development appear, an immunogram should be done. It is a so-called list of all immunoglobulins contained in the blood, indicating their concentration.
Venous blood is required for analysis. Testing is usually prescribed in the morning, on an empty stomach, since as a result of eating, you can provoke an allergic-like reaction and get unreliable test results.
The collected blood can be stored for up to 8 days under certain conditions.
With the help of a special analyzer, the level of all immunoglobulins is determined, and already on the basis of a change in their number, a diagnosis is made.
If an elevated level of immunoglobulins is detected (general IgE in a child is especially indicative), an allergy to any antigen should be suspected, for which skin tests should be performed. A decrease in the level may indicate a weakened immune system.
Features of immunoglobulins in children
In the body of the fetus, immunoglobulins E begin to be produced for a period of 11 weeks. However, they are so large that they do not pass through the placenta and remain in the body of the child. Total IgE in a child gradually begins to rise over a period of up to 15 years, and the growth is quite rapid. At the age of 15 years, the amount of the E-fraction of immunoglobulins is about 200 kU / l, and before the age of 18, its concentration decreases to 100, which is a normal indicator in an adult.
With the appearance of a high amount of immunoglobulins, the possibility of developing atopic dermatitis or asthma should be suspected.
Based on the foregoing, it can be seen that the most dangerous age for the development of allergies in children is the period from 10 to 15 years. General IgE in a child is quite sensitive to various antigens, and during the period of “adolescence”, against the background of changes in hormonal levels, sensitivity increases significantly.
Changes in the level of immunoglobulins in various diseases
The concentration of immunoglobulins may vary depending on the nature of the disease.
- Many atopic diseases usually occur with a significant increase in the amount of immunoglobulin E, although there are cases of the development of diseases with normal levels of these molecules.
- Bronchial asthma can occur without an increase in the level of molecules if there is sensitivity to only one allergen.
- Total IgE in a child may increase in case of development of helminthiases. In parallel, an increase in the level of eosinophils is observed.
- One of the most severe diseases is hyper-IgE syndrome. With it, it is possible to increase the level of this molecule by more than 2000 (up to 50,000 kU/l). The disease is accompanied by severe allergic manifestations, urticaria, allergies to most substances. This condition requires mandatory research, and testing should be carried out as early as possible.
The danger of a high concentration of immunoglobulin E
As mentioned, high concentrations of this molecule already suggest the development of an allergy. The most dangerous is the presence of sensitivity to most allergens, since in this case an allergy can develop to almost any substance.
An excessively high amount of these molecules in the mucous membrane suggests the development of such a dangerous condition as For its timely diagnosis (since the condition is life-threatening), a blood test should be performed. IgE (general) cannot be detected in it, but its development can be suspected in the case of a high concentration of lymphocytes.
In severe cases of allergy, mucosal necrosis may develop. The condition is dangerous in that it is possible to develop intoxication of the body, as well as the formation of fistulas between the bronchi and lung tissue, the development of pneumothorax and pneumoperitoneum.
Skin tests
When determining a high concentration of these molecules in the blood serum, it is imperative to conduct skin tests. They allow you to determine the sensitivity to specific allergens and prevent the development of allergies in the future.
The main indication for these tests is an immunological analysis - the total IgE in it will be increased. In addition, there must be at least one allergic attack in the anamnesis (although a diagnostic study for the risk of developing an allergy is possible, even if clinical manifestations were not noticed).
The test is carried out using weak solutions of allergens (there are quite a lot of diagnosticums - suspensions of allergens, which allows you to find out the exact allergen that can provoke the development of an immune response). It is imperative to take blood for general IgE before conducting the study, and also to conduct it. It is imperative to prepare a set of emergency preparations before the analysis in case an unforeseen complication of the procedure develops.
The need for research
Why is it so important to determine this immunoglobulin in time?
Usually it is the main indicator that the immune system has begun to give an allergic reaction (in the event that its concentration has increased), so the necessary measures should be taken to protect the body from all sorts of complications.
If the (IgE general) norm is registered in the blood, then you should not immediately rejoice. As mentioned, normal indicators can also be observed in some diseases, therefore, skin tests are mandatory to exclude allergic diagnoses (if there is an appropriate clinic).
With reduced immunoglobulin, the danger lies in the fact that the immune system may not respond to the incoming antigen, due to which a more severe disease can be missed, which will lead to irreversible consequences.
It is because of all that has been said that the importance of this molecule should be taken into account and its definition should not be neglected.
An immunoglobulin blood test is an examination of the immune system to detect diseases in a person. It helps to assess the state of the body and the severity of the allergic disease, that is, it plays a major role in prescribing the right treatment.
What is immunoglobulin
Immunoglobulins (antibodies, gamma globulins) are compounds that are produced by cells of the body's immune system. They protect a person from various bacteria and viruses, as well as from antigens. Immunoglobulin not only protects the human body, but is also often used in medicine. When identifying a variety of pathologies, qualitative and quantitative determinations of antibodies of various classes are used. Immunoglobulin is part of the medicines that are used to prevent and treat infectious diseases.
There are 5 classes of immunoglobulins: G, M, E, A and D, which differ in structure and function.
- Immunoglobulin G (IgG) belongs to the main class of immunoglobulins found in blood serum. It has 4 subclasses (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4) that perform their unique functions independently of each other. Immunoglobulin G begins to be produced a few days after immunoglobulin M and remains in the body for a long time, preventing the disease from recurring, and also neutralizes harmful toxic substances. Its small size allows it to penetrate without obstacles to the fetus of a pregnant woman and protect it from infections. Normally, its amount is 70-75% of the total number of antibodies.
- Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is the first defender against antigens, as it is produced when a foreign agent enters the human body. Class M antibodies are much larger, so in pregnant women it does not penetrate the placenta to the baby, but is contained only in the woman's blood. The amount of immunoglobulin M is only about 10%.
- Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is practically not observed in the blood. It takes part in the occurrence of an allergic reaction, protects against infections. Its increase indicates a tendency to allergic pathologies and atopy.
- Immunoglobulin A (IgA) protects the mucous membranes from microorganisms and foreign substances, which is why it is also called secretory. It is located in the secretions of the lacrimal and salivary glands, on the mucous membrane of the respiratory and genitourinary systems and in milk. Its concentration is approximately 20%.
- Immunoglobulin D (IgD) refers to antibodies whose functions are not fully understood and its amount in the blood is extremely small (up to 1%). They are mainly used in medical preparations that can be purchased at any pharmacy.
Indications for analysis
A blood test for immunoglobulin E is taken for bronchial asthma, eczema, atopic dermatitis, hay fever and helminthiasis. Conducting a study is advisable in order to determine the presence of drug and food allergies, as well as for children to determine possible hereditary diseases if their relatives suffer from allergic reactions.
Preparation for analysis
For a blood test for immunoglobulin, a special laboratory study of blood serum is performed. In order for the results to be most reliable, it is necessary to properly prepare for donating blood for analysis. Blood sampling is performed in the morning, always on an empty stomach. Venous blood is suitable for analysis, which is usually taken in the elbow area. It is advisable to exclude alcohol, fatty and spicy foods from the diet a few days before the procedure, limit physical activity and, if possible, exclude smoking. When taking any medications, you should inform the specialist about it.
Norm
Normally, the indicators have the following values:
- for children up to 3 months - 0 ... 2 kU / l;
- from 3 to 6 months - 3 ... 10 kU / l;
- children up to a year - 8 ... 20 kU / l;
- children from 1 to 5 years old - 10 ... 50 kU / l;
- children from 5 to 15 years old - 16 ... 60 kU / l;
- adults - 20 ... 100 kU / l.
Increased values
Reduced values
If the blood test for immunoglobulin E is low in children, then the causes may be hereditary hypogammaglobulinemia, certain types of tumors, or Louis-Bar syndrome (ataxia-telangiectasia).
General information
Immune globulin E antibodies are responsible for the development of allergic reactions. After contact with the allergen, it releases serotonin, histamine and other active substances, due to the formation of a special complex on cell surfaces, which leads to the emergence and development of inflammatory reactions and the manifestation of anaphylaxis.
There are cases when patients are given a referral for an analysis, the meaning of which they often do not know. For example, what are class A immunoglobulins? A referral for IgA immunoglobulin analysis can come from a doctor for both children and adults. So what can this indicator tell the doctor?
What is immunoglobulin A?
Immunoglobulin A is a clear indicator of the state of humoral immunity. This protein can be contained in the body in the serum and secretory fractions (both in the blood and in the secretions of the glands). The serum fraction provides local immunity and is produced in increased amounts in response to inflammatory processes. The secretory fraction is contained in the secrets of the body - saliva, breast milk, secretory fluid in the intestines or bronchi, in tears.
The function of immunoglobulin A is to bind to harmful microorganisms and thereby prevent cell damage. A certain amount of IgA is constantly found in the blood and secretions of the glands. A decrease in immunoglobulin A means an insufficiency of the immune system. An increase in immunoglobulin A is observed either with sensitization of the immune system due to systemic diseases, or (most often) with inflammatory processes.
After it became clear what it is - immunoglobulin A, the following question arises - for what purpose is it checked? The usual indications for such an analysis are a comprehensive examination for frequent infectious diseases - for example, when children often get colds or intestinal infections. In this case, the child's immunoglobulin A will either be reduced, which is an indicator of immunodeficiency, or will be normal, and then the cause must be sought in other factors, or increased, which will demonstrate the current acute inflammatory process.
In other cases, class A immunoglobulin testing is performed when immunodeficiency is suspected and when monitoring the condition of patients with diagnosed immunodeficiencies, when detecting neoplasms, when diagnosing autoimmune pathologies, and to check the effectiveness of the treatment of multiple myeloma.
Thus, IgA is responsible for immunity indicators and is necessary for diagnosing the causes of various recurrent diseases, as well as for controlling the immune system in various systemic diseases.
How is blood taken for analysis?
For the analysis of immunoglobulin A, venous blood sampling is required. Since antibodies are a very specific structure that differs from the main biochemical elements of blood, the rules for preparing for analysis for them differ from the usual ones. For example, there is no restriction on eating within 8-12 hours. You can not eat before the analysis for immunoglobulin for 3 hours. You can drink non-carbonated clean water.
Half an hour before the analysis, one should not be very nervous and undergo physical exertion. Therefore, if a child donates blood, the task of parents is to ensure that within the specified time period he behaves calmly and does not worry about donating blood. It should be explained in a calm voice that the procedure is carried out quickly and painlessly, distract the child for some activity.
It is undesirable to drink alcohol the day before the analysis. Smoking should be avoided at least 3 hours before the procedure. Due to the fact that immunoglobulin A is also produced as an immune response to bronchial irritation, smoking (including vaping) can negative affect the results of the analyses.
What factors can still distort the result?
In addition to the above, there are some other factors that can affect the result. They should be taken into account by the attending physician, who will evaluate the result of the analysis. These factors include, first of all, pregnancy, in which there is usually a low immunoglobulin level. In addition, extensive burns, kidney failure, drugs that lower immunity and various types of radiation can reduce the concentration of IgA.
Among the factors that increase the content of immunoglobulin A, it should be noted some drugs (mainly antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants and oral contraceptives), vaccinations made less than 6 months ago, as well as excessive physical, mental and emotional stress immediately before donating blood.
In some cases, immunoglobulin A deficiency is associated with a specific feature of the patient's body - it produces antibodies to its own IgA protein. Such patients are at high risk for autoimmune diseases and infections. In addition, there is a risk of developing an anaphylactic reaction during blood transfusion or transplantation of donor organs.
The norms of the content of immunoglobulin A
Due to the fact that our immune system is imperfect from birth, in infants, for some time, their own IgA is not produced by the body, but comes from mother's milk (this is one of the reasons why breastfeeding is so important in the early stages). The norm of immunoglobulin A in children under one year old is 0.83 g / l.
As can be seen from the standards, an adult has not only the highest upper limit of the permissible norm, but also the largest variability in indicators. They can be associated both with the individual characteristics of the organism, and with the action of any irritants and vary slightly even within one day.
If immunoglobulin A is elevated
If the content of immunoglobulin A goes beyond the upper limit, i.e. Immunoglobulin A is elevated - what does it mean? Many diseases can increase the content of IgA. Among the main causes are infections that affect the skin, bronchi, lungs, intestines, genitals and urinary organs. In addition, various neoplasms, including malignant ones, are a common cause of an increase in immunoglobulin A.
A high concentration of IgA can show in cystic fibrosis, liver disease, systemic autoimmune diseases. The lifetime of immunoglobulins of this class is approximately 6-7 days, and the detection of an increased concentration of IgA in the blood means that the inflammatory process either exists in the body at the time of the analysis, or was present no earlier than a week ago. If the analysis indicators are borderline, then a second test is carried out in a week, eliminating the likely factors of distorting the results.
If immunoglobulin A is low
Immunoglobulin A is lowered if the body's immune system has malfunctioned and does not produce enough proteins to protect itself. This situation develops with HIV, removal of the spleen,. Other diseases that can cause a decrease in IgA are chronic diseases of the respiratory system, colon, and kidneys. In addition, the decrease in immunoglobulin A can be explained by the innate characteristics of the organism, which were already mentioned earlier in the text.
Selective immunoglobulin A deficiency occurs more frequently in the general population compared to other types of immunodeficiency. By itself, it is often asymptomatic, leaving only indirect hints in the form of frequently recurrent infectious diseases or allergic reactions. The disease can sharply declare itself in a situation of stress for the body - a change in climatic conditions, diet, during pregnancy and childbirth, hormonal failure, severe emotional stress.
Patients with insufficient levels of immunoglobulin A may experience various allergic reactions or develop asthma. The most common symptoms experienced by a person with selective immunoglobulin A deficiency are anaphylactic shock upon contact with previously harmless irritants, increased sensitivity of the respiratory system, and impaired urination. Less common are intestinal disorders, inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye, and diseases of the lungs and bronchi.
The exact cause of selective immunoglobulin A deficiency is unknown. Various hypotheses have been put forward, among which are innate features (either inherited or as a result of random mutation), prolonged stress, poor social conditions (in particular, malnutrition), poisoning with dangerous substances and cancer.
Evaluation of the results
Conducting a blood test for the content of immunoglobulin A on average takes 2-3 days from the date of the test. The study is inexpensive, within 200 rubles (prices may vary depending on the specific laboratory). For an adequate and complete picture of the patient's condition, in addition to the analysis for immunoglobulin A, analyzes are also carried out for other immunoglobulins: E, G, M.
In addition to finding out the content of immunoglobulins, for a complete picture of the state of the immune system, the patient must take tests for the general blood count, leukocyte, ESR, protein fractions in the serum. If the attending physician has reason to suspect a particular disease, then other, additional tests are prescribed at his discretion. In other words, the IgA content analysis itself is not very informative, it is of value only when it is included in a full-fledged examination.
Let's figure out what a blood test for immunoglobulin e shows, why and when it needs to be taken. Specific protein antibodies or immunoglobulins are the most important factor in the immune system. They are the first to react to the penetration of a foreign biomaterial or allergen into the human body.
The total immunoglobulins of class E in the blood serum are abbreviated as Ig E. According to the chemical structure, these are protein compounds produced by plasma cells.
General immunoglobulin E causes the development of an allergic reaction. The mechanism of activity is implemented through a series of successive reactions. First, Ig E bind to basophilic granulocytes and mast cells. Then foreign antigens join the formed complex. The process of their attachment is accompanied by instant destruction of cells with the release of mediators of an allergic reaction (histamine, heparin, serotonin) into the bloodstream. The result is the development of type 1 hypersensitivity.
Class G immunoglobulins
They are the predominant class in terms of quantitative ratio. Their percentage reaches 80% of the total number of immunoglobulins. They take part in the implementation of the secondary immune response and in the protection of the human body from the effects of toxic substances.
A distinctive feature that is unique to this class of protective proteins is the ability to cross the placental barrier during pregnancy. Thus, proteins provide protection to the baby in the womb and in the first months after birth.
What does an immunoglobulin E test show?
An immunoglobulin E test is not mandatory every time you visit a doctor. The direction for the study is issued by a general practitioner or pediatrician, allergist, pulmonologist, gastroenterologist, rheumatologist or hematologist.
Indications for research are symptoms of allergic bronchial asthma, rhinitis, various skin rashes, as well as suspicion of helminthic invasion.
In addition, a blood test for immunoglobulin E in children is required if the parents have cases of an allergic reaction to various substances. This is due to the fact that 75% of children of parents with allergies have a high level of protective protein.
If the baby has increased values of the indicator, and the parents do not suffer from allergies, then he is classified as a risk group. According to statistics, in this case, the child develops an allergic disease in the next one and a half to two years.
The study allows for a primary screening for the presence of an allergic reaction. However, the total immunoglobulin E does not allow to establish the specific allergen that caused the activation of the patient's immunity. To establish a specific irritant substance, additional hypersensitivity tests to specific allergens are carried out.
The difficulty of differential diagnosis lies in the fact that the number of allergens exceeds several thousand. Trying to identify a specific allergen by selection is impossible. A family and allergic history is collected, the presence of a response to certain foods, plants, medicines or household allergens is established.
Comprehensive diagnostics involves an analysis called an allergochip. Its disadvantage is the high cost, the advantage is the one-time determination of individual intolerance to a large number of allergens.
When should I get tested for Ig G?
It is advisable to conduct a study if necessary:
- assessment of immunity tension;
- establishing the fact of suppression of the immune response;
- clarification of the causes of frequent infectious diseases;
- advanced diagnostics of autoimmune pathologies;
- establishing the effectiveness of the chosen methods of treatment.
How to take an analysis for immunoglobulin E and G?
In order for the results of the analysis for immunoglobulin E and G to be as accurate as possible, it is recommended to follow three simple preparation rules:
- donate blood no earlier than 3 hours after the last meal;
- limit physical and emotional stress in half an hour;
- Do not smoke for at least 1 hour before donating blood.
It is known that drugs can affect the result, distorting it. Therefore, if the patient is taking certain medications, they should be reported to the laboratory staff.
Norm of immunoglobulin E in children
Deciphering the results of a blood test for the total level of Ig E should only be done by a specialist (allergist, immunologist, etc.). For each age, the normal values of the indicator were selected, which indicate the absence of an allergic reaction or helminthic invasion in the child's body.
The normal values of the indicator, taking into account age, are presented in the table.
It should be emphasized that the values are given for children whose parents do not suffer from an allergic reaction to various substances. A slight deviation from the norm (within 10 units) is not a diagnostically significant feature. In this case, the child is recommended to re-donate blood. Stably high values are a reason for advanced diagnostics.
Norm of immunoglobulin E in adults
The amount of total class E immunoglobulins in adult patients over 16 years of age should be in the range from 0 to 100 IU / ml.
In the absence of contact with the allergen or helminthic invasion in the blood of a person, Ig E is practically absent. Therefore, such small values may be below the value detected by the instruments.
Important: only the upward deviation of the parameter has diagnostic significance.
Norm of immunoglobulin G in children and adults
The norm of immunoglobulin g in children differs from adults, therefore, when interpreting the results, the age of the examined patient should be taken into account.
In the first year of a baby's life, Ig G obtained in the mother's womb protects him from external infection. Full immunity has not yet been formed. The value of Ig G during this period is from 2.5 to 14.5 g / l.
Then, at the age of 1 to 4 years, immunity begins to actively form and the amount of Ig G drops to 4.5 - 9 g / l.
Normal values for children aged 4 to 10 years are 5 - 14.75 g / l, and after 10 years the norm increases to 7.5 - 15.6 g / l.
During puberty (12 - 16 years), the normal value of the parameter is in the range from 7 to 17.1 g / l.
At the age of 16 to 20 years, reference values are from 5.5 to 16 g / l. For patients over 20 years of age, the norm is fixed at a laboratory value of 7 to 17 g / l.
How to lower immunoglobulin E in an adult or child?
Of paramount importance in the treatment is limiting the patient's contact with the irritating allergen. This is only possible if it is accurately identified. This method has no contraindications and is suitable for patients of any age.
If a person has an allergic reaction to house dust, then his condition can be alleviated with the help of daily wet cleaning and the use of special carbon filters. Filters must be changed at least once a month.
In the absence of positive dynamics, antiallergic drugs are selected. According to indications, glucocorticosteroids are used.
Currently, drugs are used to alleviate the patient's condition. These are antihistamines and enterosorbents.
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