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October 28th, 2010
03:21 PM ET
How serious is selective IgA deficiency?As a feature of CNNhealth.com, our team of expert doctors will answer readers' questions. Here's a question for Dr. Gupta. From Indu, Waukesha, Wisconsin "My 3-year-old daughter has been diagnosed with selective IgA deficiency. I am really worried. Can you please tell me what is this? What are her risk factors and will she live a normal life? Since three months she has had recurrent sinusitis infections and her blood test showed this deficiency ( IgA =6), No one in our family has this and both my husband and I are quite healthy. What are her options, treatment and any latest information/research in this field?" Answer Indu, Thank you for your question. I know, as a parent, that it can be scary when the doctor tells you that something isn’t quite normal with your child, and you want to understand what may be wrong. The immune system protects us from harmful substances—called antigens—which include bacteria, viruses, toxins, fungus, cancer cells, and allergens. When the body senses the presence of an antigen, it fights it with antibodies, which attach to the foreign substance and help the immune system to destroy them. When the immune system doesn’t produce enough antibodies to fight the antigens it’s called an immunodeficiency disorder. You indicated that your daughter has experienced recurrent sinus infections since she was 3 months old, which is probably why her physician tested her immunity levels —to find out why she might not be fighting off her recurring infections. The immunoglobulin test is a tool that medical professionals can use to help diagnose when the immune system isn’t working properly. People can be born with immunodeficiencies or acquire them through illness or as a side effect of medications. When a child has frequent or unusual infections, doctors may suspect an immunodeficiency. Our bodies produce five types of antibodies including IgA, which is found in mucous membranes, IgG which is found in all body fluids and fights bacterial and viral infections, IgM, found in blood and lymph fluid and is the first line of defense fighting new infections, IgE, which fights allergic reactions, and IgD which is found in the blood and whose function is still uncertain to immunologists. IgA, IgG and IgM are often measured together because they can give useful information about how the immune system is functioning toward infection or autoimmune diseases. Selective deficiency of IgA is the most common immune disorder and is less harmful than other disorders, according to information from the National Institutes of Health. People with this condition have low or deficient levels of immunoglobulin A, the antibody that protects the body and is found in high concentrations in mucous membranes in the respiratory passages, gastrointestinal tract, as well as in tears and saliva. Emory University pediatric allergist Dr. Karen DeMuth said “I would never diagnose a child that age with selective deficiency of IgA,” explaining that more information is needed about her case, and adding that children's immune systems are not fully developed at her age. DeMuth strongly advises that your daughter have a consultation with an immunologist, and she notes that the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology is an excellent resource for finding a specialist, as well as for information. While no specific treatment is available for selective deficiency of IgA, it’s important to treat any bacterial infections with antibiotics to prevent them from recurring. If a specialist agrees that your daughter has the disorder, it’s important to know that sometimes this condition will disappear without treatment, and your medical professional is likely to recommend retesting your daughter to see if the deficiency resolves over time.
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Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love. Recent Comments
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My oldest son was diagnosed with this at age 1 1/2 after a series of illnesses including a skin rash (possibly fifths disease), the shinges and pneumonia over the course of a month. He tested with a similar number. A year later, he tested a bit higher, but still deficient and at 3 1/2 he tested at a normal level, I believe 32, at the time. He does fine with everything at this point. A couple of years later, I was diagnosed with a low IgA (not quite deficient, but below normal) and I can say that outside of being more susceptible to some things I have lived a normal life, playing sports throughout and continuing to swim today.
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what is oligospermaia. please i'd like to know what causes it and how it can be cured
I was diagnosed with IgA deficiency at age 18 with an IgA <6. No family history of it. For years I had experienced recurrent severe sinus, eye, and respiratory infections that would take much longer than normal to clear. This was the reason I had finally been tested for various immune deficiencies. At 18 I required a tonsillectomy and even further surgery due to an infection that wouldn't allow the incisions to heal. At that point I was referred to an immunologist who I have seen every year since. Due to my frequent infections he recommended prolonged prophylactic antibiotic therapy to try and help prevent some of these infections. Since that time (7 years ago) I have been on erythromycin every day, September-May and go off of it during the summer months. This has cut down on my number of infections. (So it is not true that there is no treatment available). Some years are better than others, but overall it has helped me a lot. Besides that I live a completely normal life in every aspect, so I would try not to be too worried.
I have done a lot of reading on this subject and know that the severity of symptoms of IgA deficiency varies greatly with each person. Some people have no symptoms at all and others get quite ill with various infections frequently. Since your daughter is so young I am sure they will keep a close eye on her and treat her infections as they arise. When she gets older, if her levels have not risen to the normal range and she's still experiencing recurrent infections, maybe an immunologist could discuss prophylactic treatment options. But hopefully it makes you feel better to know that I've been told my deficiency is on the more severe side and I live a totally normal life besides the infections. Hope that helps! Good luck!
Many sinus/throat and other infections (including Allergies,arthritis,asthma,cancer,diabetes,digestive disorders,mental disorders,etc.) are caused by fungi. I have come to think disease is caused by Fungus until proven otherwise. Removing Fungal food (ant-biotics, sugar, corn, peanuts, anything that is or is made from grain) will do a lot to starve the pathogen known as Fungus. The introduction of Pro-biotics (for life) are essential for regaining and maintaining health. 70-80% of our immune system lies in our digestive tract. Fungus has the ability to make us sick, change our immunity (suppress), change our hormones and infiltrate our cells and break the DNA and replace it's own Fungal DNA,causing a Fungal/Human mutated cell (cancer). Go to http://www.knowthecause.com for more info (this web site saved my life). May God Bless you and your children.
Our 43 yr. old son has been diagnosed w/iga. The gastroent has scheduled a colonoscopy & endoscopy. He is taking Dilantin due to a mixed glioma brain tumor. He has had 2 brain tumor surgeries ('98 & '05) & is now scheduled for radiation due to regrowth of tumor. How does all of this interact? Which doctor should he consult first gastorent, radiology onc., or neurologist? We appreciate your advice.
may I ask if there are any forums or dissucscins on iga, particulary in Ontario or elesewhere or any
Immunodeficiency disorder is not a problem for child. Because in today world doctor are so active to overcome from this problem. Now we are saying about new problem for the cold country. the problem is sinus infection. so we have to take care our health for better tomorrow.
Should someone who has IGA deficiency get the shingles vaccine? I had chicken pox as a child and now am a senior citizen.
hello doctor,
i was tested for celiac a few months ago and the results were negative. my doctor said that i did have an iga deficiency. reading the symptoms of iga deficiency i learned that i have at least a 10% increased chance of having celiac disease. are there other blood tests to check for celiac? the reason i had een tested was that i have premature osteoporosis, low vitamin d, at least 3 dozen kidney stones since age 25–i am 55 now, skin rashes since infancy, chronic constipation and a nasty rash on my neck, arms, shoulders that erupts into sores several days after a deep itching under the skin. i do have symptoms of iga deficiency, pneumonia, bronchitis, many colds, asthma. what i am concerned about is my father passed away from pulmonary fibrosis which i have learned could be caused by undiagnosed celiac disease. do you think all this is related to iga deficiency? if so, how could i be tested without going through an intestinal biopsy. thank you so much for taking my question. barbara
People with IgA deficiency will oftentimes have false negative tests for celiac disease. Your doctor should have been aware of that. Good luck. I have IgA deficiencey and have been having a hard time this winter gettnig over pneumonia.
My 21/2 year old little boy we just found out he has IgA im so scared he stays sick any advice would be so helpful please from a very scared mommy any other moms that have had this problem please help me
Is there any connection between ulcers/ h pylori and IGA deficiency. My daughter was recently hospitalized for abd pain and Gall Bladder isn't emptying all the way was the results with the Hida Scan. She was also diagnosed with Candida Esophagitis with the EGD that was preformed.All other tests were negative. My daughter was diagnosed when she was about 3 with IGA deficiency. The levels came up and then went down. What is the connection between IGA deficiency and the gut? I am a RN.I am looking for answers.
I have aIway's been a healthy woman, but broke out in hives the day after my 35th birthday. I went to my regular Dr and was put on prednizone. It has now been 4 months and I have been to five different doctors including two allergy specialists. After having severe hives the whole time (save maybe 14 days) unless taking prednizone, blood tests confirmed I have an IGA defiency. I have spent months researching but cannot find anything on severe cases of IGA with chronic utecaria. The specialist said due to the severety of my symptoms it's considered an autoimmune disease. I cant find anything about people with severe symptoms like mine . I have been on prednizone most of the four months and break out in hives from head to toe if im not on prednizone. I have had severe facial swelling, difficulty breathing and ( itchy & painful burning) hives. I have also had three epipen shots due to burning hives covering over 75% of my body. I have looked into herbal remedies but not sure what to use. I take one a day women's multivitamins (which include 1000 mg Vitamin D) and 1000 mg extra Vitamin C, 1000 mg of L-lycene and try to eat healthy. I currently take 3 prednizone a day just to keep the hives from returning. I feel like my quality of life is deminishing and just want to feel alive again. Im sure my husband and kids feel the same way. If anyone has suggestions, ideas or similar symptoms please let me know.
For me, it’s been pretty bad: a losing lifetime battle against continuing sinus infections. I just turned 57 yesterday and I’m pretty surprised I made it this long. I somehow managed to work (sporadically) until I was 52 and save some money. I’ve since been living like a pauper to make my small nest egg last as long as possible, but I’ll be running out next summer and I can finally put a stop to my suffering. That’s the cruel irony of it all: the curse of a severely weakened immune system and a strong survival instinct. But at least I’ll be forced to end it when the last of my money runs out.
The one major mistake I made in life was not moving to a desert climate where I felt so much better the few times I was out there visiting. I know if I was in Arizona right now I wouldn’t feel like “drilling a hole in my face” to relieve the throbbing pressure. But I never really felt physically up to the challenge of relocating and trying to find another job with flexible hours to accommodate my health problems. So I stayed trapped in my misery in Michigan, with little chance of ever having a reasonable quality of life. I just feel bad for my daughter. She’s an only child and I know she will take it hard, but I’m hoping she will understand and will somehow be able to overcome it in the long run.
Mark, I just saw your response as I'm researching this issue for my 3 1/2 year old son. It breaks my heart to hear how much you have suffered. I pray you will find some relief soon. It sounds like you are considering drastic measures. Please talk to your daughter about how much pain you are in to get help with your situation. It would crush me if my parents felt this way & never talked to me about it. I do not think she will over-come it & I pray you will not go down this path. Is there an allergist you could work with to help with the symptoms? I feel like we have found an allergist that is trying to help us get to the root of my son's problem versus just prescribing more medications. Many prayers sent your way.
Mark, my heart breaks for you! I hope that you have begun the process of trying to get Social Security Disability... It is a long process, but you may be eligible to get it, or even some other kind of help through your local Social Services. I wanted to share with you something that has helped me immensely. In 1997, I was very sick (I too have IgA deficiency) and a co-worker told me that milk had an enzyme in it that caused mucous production. At the time, I was a vegetarian, but still ate dairy products, minimally. After some time of her trying to convince me & my dr. not being able to help with the use of antibiotics, I finally gave in & stopped using dairy. It was a while before I found soy milk to replace milk & then I moved to rice milk & today, I use almond milk. My re-current sinus infection rate significantly decreased just by not using milk/cheese, etc.. It may be a long shot, but, who knows, maybe it will help! We will be praying for you!!