Do you also often get colds and coughs? Or do you constantly have stomach problems or skin problems? Sometimes this can happen when our body's disease-fighting system, that is, the immune system, becomes a little weak. So today we are talking about an important test that is done to accurately determine the status of this immunity. That is the Immunoglobulin test.
What is this Immunoglobulin?
Simply put, this is very easy to understand. Imagine that our body is like a country. Then the enemies are the germs like viruses and bacteria that come from outside. To fight against these enemies, we have a group of special soldiers in our body. Those soldiers are simply called antibodies .
These antibodies are what we medically call 'Immunoglobulins'. These are made by cells in our immune system. So this Immunoglobulin test measures how many of these antibodies, or 'soldiers', you have in your body.
Due to some diseases, the amount of Immunoglobulin in our body can increase unnecessarily , and sometimes even decrease more than necessary .
- If immunoglobulin levels are low: You are more likely to develop illnesses, especially infections.
- If immunoglobulin is increased: It could mean that you have allergies, or that your immune system is overactive.
What are the main types of immunoglobulin?
There are several types of immunoglobulins in our bodies. Each type has a different function. Let's look at the main types.
| Immunoglobulin type | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Immunoglobulin A (IgA) | These antibodies are mostly found in the mucous membranes of our lungs, sinuses, and intestines. They are also found in fluids like saliva and tears. They are what protect us from germs that enter those areas. |
| Immunoglobulin G (IgG) | This is the 'experienced soldier' that is most abundant in our blood and other body fluids. It has a good memory. If a germ that has previously entered the body comes back, it recognizes it and attacks it quickly. It's like a 'memory'. Doctors test this IgG level to find out if you have been exposed to a certain germ before. |
| Immunoglobulin M (IgM) | When a new germ enters the body, these IgM soldiers are the first to come to the fight. They are our first line of defense. When a germ enters the body, these IgM levels rise for a while, and then as the IgG levels increase, the IgM levels fall again. |
| Immunoglobulin E (IgE) | This is a little different. This IgE level increases when our body reacts inappropriately to things that are actually harmless, such as pollen, dust, and certain foods (that is, when an allergy occurs). This IgE level is definitely measured in a blood test to see if you have allergies. |
Why would a doctor recommend this test?
There are several reasons why your doctor might order this test. This is especially important if you have frequent infections.
This test is generally recommended in the following cases:
- If you have frequent sinus problems, lung infections, stomach or intestinal infections .
- If you have diarrhea that lasts for a long time.
- If you are losing weight for no apparent reason.
- If you have a persistent unexplained fever that cannot be explained by another cause.
- If there are various skin rashes .
- If you suspect you have allergies .
- If you become ill after returning from a long journey.
- To monitor conditions like HIV/AIDS or Multiple Myeloma (a type of cancer).
How is this Immunoglobulin Test done?
Doctors often test all three together: IgA, IgG, and IgM to get a rough idea of your immunity.
The main way to do this is to take a blood sample . Just like we usually give blood for testing. The lab tech takes a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm and sends it to the lab. It's not that big of a deal, it's nothing to worry about.
However, in very special cases, if the doctor wants to test the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) , he uses a different method. This is called a lumbar puncture (sometimes called a 'spinal tap'). This is done in a hospital. You are given a numbing medicine to numb the pain, and a small sample of fluid is taken from your lower back.
What does my report mean?
After sending your sample to the lab, it may take a few days for the report to arrive.
The important thing is that you cannot say 100% for sure that you have a disease just because the values in your report are low or high. This only gives a rough idea.
Your doctor may also order other tests along with this report, such as a Complete Blood Count (CBC) , a protein blood test , or a urine test to check kidney function.
Let's see what are the common reasons why these values go up and down.
| Things that can cause elevated immunoglobulin levels | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Chronic infections |
| Autoimmune disorders - e.g. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Celiac Disease | Liver disease |
| Inflammatory bowel disease | Types of cancer - e.g. Multiple Myeloma, Lymphoma, Leukemia |
| Things that can cause immunoglobulin levels to drop | |
|---|---|
| Some medications that weaken the immune system (e.g. steroids) | Diabetes complications |
| Kidney disease or failure | Congenital or acquired immunodeficiencies (e.g. HIV/AIDS ) |
Therefore, instead of jumping to conclusions on your own about what's in your report, be sure to talk to the doctor who examined you. He or she will review your symptoms and all other test reports and tell you exactly what you need to do and what steps to take next.
Take-Home Message
- Immunoglobulin is a type of antibody that is like a soldier in our body that fights disease.
- This test may be important if you have frequent infections, allergies, or if you suspect that your immune system is weak.
- This test checks the levels of various types of antibodies, such as IgA, IgG, IgM, and IgE.
- Low or high values in the report can be due to various reasons. Don't assume that there is an illness on your own.
- Only your doctor can provide the best explanation and further advice about your test results, so be sure to meet with him or her.
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