About this topic
Immunoglobulins are a part of your immune system. They help your body fight germs. IgA is one kind and is seen in the parts of your body that have mucus. These parts include your eyes, nose, mouth, stomach, intestines, and lungs. With IgA deficiency, you have a low level of IgA in your blood. Your body may not make it at all. But, your body may make other immunoglobulins. These also help fight germs. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you understand everything the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take all of your drugs to treat infections as ordered by your doctor.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, always after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also work to kill germs.
- Avoid getting too close (kissing or hugging) people who are sick.
- Avoid sharing your towels or hankies with anyone who is sick. Clean often handled things like door handles, remotes, toys, and phones. Wipe them with a disinfectant.
- Avoid going to crowded places.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
Your doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Prevent or fight an infection
- Treat swelling of your eyes, nose, mouth, or throat
Will physical activity be limited?
An infection may cause you to have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Very bad infection or infection that keeps coming back
- Severe reaction to blood products
- Reaction to shots
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
You cannot prevent this illness. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you ways to help prevent infection.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, chills, or other signs of infection.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology ‚
http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/primary-immunodeficiency-disease/selective-iga-deficiency.aspx ‚
Immune Deficiency Foundation ‚
http://primaryimmune.org/about-primary-immunodeficiencies/specific-disease-types/selective-iga-deficiency/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚