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 are the causes?
This illness is most often passed from a parent to a child. ‚
What are the main signs?
You may not have any signs of this illness. If you do, the signs may be things like: ‚
- Problems with your stomach and bowels. You may have frequent loose stools, ulcerative colitis, Crohns disease, or celiac disease
- Mouth infection
- Eye infection
- Breathing problems like bronchitis, pneumonia, or often have colds
- Ear or sinus infections
- Problems with allergies or asthma
- Autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. You may need to have: ‚
- Blood tests done to check your IgA levels
- Other blood tests
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
There is not a specific treatment for IgA deficiency. Your levels may slowly go back to normal. Your care will be based on your signs. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
- Drugs may be needed to treat infections. You may need a longer course of drugs to keep your infection from coming back.
- You may need to have special testing done on blood products before they can be given to you.
- Some people do not have enough IgG as well. Then you may need to have immunoglobulin or IVIG treatments. These are given through a vein in your arm.
- You may need to take drugs to treat swelling of your eyes, nose, mouth, or throat.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- You may need to have special shots. This is based on how severe your IgA deficiency is. Tell your doctor about your IgA deficiency before getting any shots.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially 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 drugs may be needed?
Your doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Prevent or fight an infection
- Treat swelling of your eyes, nose, mouth, or throat
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There are people who are trained to work with families who have an illness that can be passed from a parent to a child. Talking with them may be helpful if you have a history of IgA deficiency in your family. ‚
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. ‚