Patient education: IgA deficiency (The Basics)

What is IgA deficiency? — 

This is a condition in which the body does not have enough of a protein called "IgA." IgA stands for "immunoglobulin A."

Immunoglobulins are proteins the immune system makes to fight germs. IgA is 1 type of immunoglobulin. It is found in blood, saliva, breast milk, and tears. IgA is also found in the respiratory, urinary, and gastrointestinal tracts.

In people with IgA deficiency, their body does not make IgA at all or makes too little.

What are the symptoms of IgA deficiency? — 

Most people have no symptoms. Even though the body uses IgA to fight germs, the immune system also has other ways of protecting you from infections.

When symptoms do happen, they can include infections or other problems with the immune system. Examples include:

●Frequent colds or ear, sinus, or lung infections

●Frequent gastrointestinal infections causing diarrhea

●Allergies or asthma

●Problems with the bowels, like celiac disease, Crohn disease, or ulcerative colitis

●Other "autoimmune" disorders like diabetes, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis

Is there a test for IgA deficiency? — 

Yes. A blood test can measure the amount of IgA in the blood. The test can also measure other immunoglobulins called "IgG" and "IgM." When a person has IgA deficiency, their IgA level is low, but their IgG and IgM levels are normal.

You might get other tests, too. This depends on your symptoms and other problems. For example, if you get infections often, tests can help doctors figure out the cause.

How is IgA deficiency treated? — 

There is no specific treatment for IgA deficiency.

Even if you have no symptoms, your doctor might want to see you regularly. They will check your health and do blood tests.

If you do have symptoms, treatment depends on your health problem. For example:

●If you get ear, sinus, or lung infections, it can help to treat related issues. If you have asthma, an allergy, or a frequent runny nose, treating these things can help prevent infections. If not, doctors sometimes prescribe antibiotics.

●If you have an autoimmune disorder, your doctor will talk to you about how to manage it.

What can I do on my own? — 

If you get ear, sinus, or lung infections, you can do things to lower your risk of getting another one. For example:

●Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.

●Avoid close contact or sharing items with people who are sick.

●Clean places and things that are frequently touched. Examples include counters, sinks, faucets, doorknobs, phones, remotes, and light switches. Use bleach or other another disinfectant.

●Avoid eating food or drinking water that could be contaminated.

●Get all the vaccines your doctor recommends. Some people with IgA deficiency need to avoid certain vaccines. But others are especially important to lower your risk of infection.

What else should I know? — 

Some people with severe IgA deficiency can have a serious reaction to some types of donated blood. But this is rare.

If you have severe IgA deficiency and had a reaction to a blood transfusion, it's a good idea to wear a bracelet or medical alert tag. This way, if you ever need to get another blood transfusion, the medical staff will know about your condition.

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call your doctor or nurse if you have:

●A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills

●A bad sore throat

●Ear or sinus pain

●A bad cough, or coughing up mucus

●Pain when urinating

●A cut or wound that will not heal

●Belly pain or diarrhea

More on this topic

Patient education: Immunoglobulin blood test (The Basics)
Patient education: Lowering the risk of spreading infection (The Basics)