ticker
02-12-2004, 09:37 PM
Hello everyone. I have some questions regarding Immunoglobulin A. My result is 35 with 81-463 being normal. What does this very low level mean? What are the symptoms of low Immunoglobulin A and what is given for it?
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for your help.
Sponsor
mamu710
02-13-2004, 11:13 AM
Hi ticker
The IgA class of immunoglobulins has the specific function of protecting the body's mucosal surfaces (eyes, mouth, throat, lungs, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tract) from infection. While IgA is aided in this role to some degree by other classes of immunoglobulins, the lack or severe deficiency of IgA at these body sites makes one or more prone to recurrent infection, allergies, chronic diarrhea, or autoimmune diseases.
From what I have read, people may or may not have more frquent infections. IgA cannot be replaced. The symptoms/infections are treated with antibiotic therapy.
What type of doctor have you seen? Who ran these tests?
If you do a search on IgA Deficiency you should run across some info.
The IgA class of immunoglobulins has the specific function of protecting the body's mucosal surfaces (eyes, mouth, throat, lungs, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tract) from infection. While IgA is aided in this role to some degree by other classes of immunoglobulins, the lack or severe deficiency of IgA at these body sites makes one or more prone to recurrent infection, allergies, chronic diarrhea, or autoimmune diseases.
From what I have read, people may or may not have more frquent infections. IgA cannot be replaced. The symptoms/infections are treated with antibiotic therapy.
What type of doctor have you seen? Who ran these tests?
If you do a search on IgA Deficiency you should run across some info.
ticker
02-13-2004, 12:06 PM
mamu710, thank you so much for your quick and informative reply.
I am currently being treated for Lyme Disease and am taking high-dose antibiotics. My Lyme doctor is the one who ran the test. I have not heard back from their office so I don't know what they will want to do. I wonder if there is a connection?
What immunoglobulin deficiency is IVIG used for?
I am currently being treated for Lyme Disease and am taking high-dose antibiotics. My Lyme doctor is the one who ran the test. I have not heard back from their office so I don't know what they will want to do. I wonder if there is a connection?
What immunoglobulin deficiency is IVIG used for?
mamu710
02-13-2004, 01:47 PM
IVIG therapy is used for a number of things. From what I know...(I'm no expert) it's used for IgG replacement. I have also heard of a few different uses. I have been told I have Common Variable Immune Deficiency. I have low IgA, but my IgG and IgM were a little low so the doctor prescribed IVIG therapy. I only had 3 treatments. When my IgG came up over normal he stopped it. My IgA was still low though. People with low IgA have to be careful getting blood products because of a reaction when recieving other peoples IgA. I don't know if I explained that exactly correct or not. But, some ivig does have small amounts of IgA so they watch you pretty carefully.
Anyway,there are a number of different Primary Immune Deficiencies that you can have. I am awaiting an appointment with an Immunologist. (6 months)He's also an allergist/infectious disease doctor that mainly specializes in clinical immunology. That's probably who you should look into seeing. I had been seeing a hematologist but he only had limited knowledge of immunology.
Well, that's some of what I've learned so far. I hope the info has helped.
mamu
Anyway,there are a number of different Primary Immune Deficiencies that you can have. I am awaiting an appointment with an Immunologist. (6 months)He's also an allergist/infectious disease doctor that mainly specializes in clinical immunology. That's probably who you should look into seeing. I had been seeing a hematologist but he only had limited knowledge of immunology.
Well, that's some of what I've learned so far. I hope the info has helped.
mamu
ticker
02-14-2004, 08:30 PM
mamu710, again I thank you! You have been very helpful.
Did the IVIG make a difference in how you feel? It all sounds very complicated. It seems like nothing is done if other IG levels are normal. Can't you see the doctor before six months?
Did the IVIG make a difference in how you feel? It all sounds very complicated. It seems like nothing is done if other IG levels are normal. Can't you see the doctor before six months?
mamu710
02-14-2004, 11:27 PM
ticker
First of all...your welcome. Glad to help where I can. I've spent the last couple of years suffering with no answers so I know how frustrating all of this can be.
I see the doctor in 3 weeks. It has been a long wait but he's supposed to be the best in the area. The ivig did help me feel better. When I got a respiratory infection in July, it took me 3 months to completely recover. After that ivig treatment I slowly started to feel better. Unfortunately, I have been feeling lousy lately. I think my levels are dropping again.
As far as beeing complicated...it is. It seems not a lot of drs are fully up on this. So do alot of reading so you know where to go for help. Make sure they test you for everything. Take care and let me know how you're doing!
First of all...your welcome. Glad to help where I can. I've spent the last couple of years suffering with no answers so I know how frustrating all of this can be.
I see the doctor in 3 weeks. It has been a long wait but he's supposed to be the best in the area. The ivig did help me feel better. When I got a respiratory infection in July, it took me 3 months to completely recover. After that ivig treatment I slowly started to feel better. Unfortunately, I have been feeling lousy lately. I think my levels are dropping again.
As far as beeing complicated...it is. It seems not a lot of drs are fully up on this. So do alot of reading so you know where to go for help. Make sure they test you for everything. Take care and let me know how you're doing!
ticker
02-16-2004, 08:16 PM
mamu710, I am sorry that you have been sick for so long. It is very frustrating. I hope you get some answers and help at your appointment.
There does not seem to be much information on immunoglobulins from my preliminary search. I am waiting to hear back from the doctor who ordered this test to see what she thinks.
Please post about how your appointment goes.
There does not seem to be much information on immunoglobulins from my preliminary search. I am waiting to hear back from the doctor who ordered this test to see what she thinks.
Please post about how your appointment goes.
mamu710
02-16-2004, 09:10 PM
ticker
thanks for your concern! It's nice of you! I will post my results when I go to the dr.
Keep searching the web for primary immune deficiency. You should come up with some results. Please let me know what you find out. When do you go back to the dr?
Stay in touch!
thanks for your concern! It's nice of you! I will post my results when I go to the dr.
Keep searching the web for primary immune deficiency. You should come up with some results. Please let me know what you find out. When do you go back to the dr?
Stay in touch!
Dakotasgrl
04-04-2004, 10:03 PM
Hello please be careful in picking your Dr, my son see's a wonderful Immunologist, but when we moved to the town we are currently living in I made am appointment to meet with a local Immunologist/allergist, my first visit he looked at my sons blood work deemed him fit enough to not need polygam bi-weekly, due to the fact he has allergies, I was shocked he did not look at my sons whole condition, and when I questioned him, he said whose the Dr here, I smiled and said not you. I will continue to drive the 4hrs to see my sons Immunologist, why because he studies it all, not just one area of the Immune system and this is real important, to truly know where your Immune system is find your self a Dr. that will break down you levels right to the T cells then you will really know what and how your system is working, Good luck to both of you.
mamu710
04-05-2004, 08:19 PM
Hi Dakotasgrl,
What does your son have? I am seeing a good immunologist now. I'm in the process of getting tests done now. I do agree with you about the immunologist. It's real important to see someone who knows about immune deficiencies. My levels have never been that bad and I don't get terrible infections but do get more than my share. Good luck with your son.
mamu
What does your son have? I am seeing a good immunologist now. I'm in the process of getting tests done now. I do agree with you about the immunologist. It's real important to see someone who knows about immune deficiencies. My levels have never been that bad and I don't get terrible infections but do get more than my share. Good luck with your son.
mamu