IgA test, what does it measure?

What are immunoglobulins

Antibodies or immunoglobulins are proteins that the body manufactures to fight possible infections from bacteria, viruses, and toxins.

Specifically, IgA is found in very high concentrations in the mucous membranes of the organism:

• respiratory tract,
• Digestive tube,
• Saliva
• Tears.

In the case of IgA it is the first antibody to deal with infection, especially the viral ones, appearing the first days of the beginning of the infection. It is logical, therefore, that this immunoglobulin is present in abundance in the mucous membranes: the entry routes of our organism. In general, both the IgA like IgG and IgM, they are measured simultaneously. Taken together, they provide important information about the functioning of the immune system, especially as it relates to infections and autoimmune diseases. IgG, IgM or IgA levels that are too low or high can be a sign of a serious health problem that should be studied in greater depth by your referring doctor.

What can be assessed with an immunoglobulin determination

• Some low levels immunoglobulins make us more vulnerable to infections and can manifest as very frequent or unusual bacterial or viral infections or chronic diarrhea.
• Some very high immunoglobulin levels they can be a sign of an autoimmune or chronic disease, an infection or some type of cancer. The symptoms of the different situations vary enormously, so the assessment should always be made by a doctor with a good medical history and examination to request more tests to confirm one or the other diagnosis.

Conditions that can be diagnosed

• Bacterial or viral infections: if they are active or if they have passed and have generated immunity.
• Immunodeficiencies: They are immunity alterations that reduce the body's ability to fight infections.
• Autoimmune disorders: They are diseases where there is an alteration in the recognition of our body's own cells, recognizing them as foreign, attacking our own tissues and organs. An example would be type 1 diabetes.
• He: a type of blood cancer.
• Infections in newborns.

IgA test

IgA also plays a role in defense against infection, in allergic reactions, and IgA concentrations in the blood can be high in autoimmune conditions.

The IgA test can help doctors diagnose conditions of the immune system, intestines, and kidneys. It is a common test that is ordered in children with recurrent infections. In adult patients it can help to evaluate autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or the.

For its determination, only one Venipuncture blood test and it does not require any special preparation or fasting.

IgA deficiency

• Children Born With Low IgA Levels (or lacking this protein) are at increased risk of developing autoimmune conditions, such as infections, asthma, and allergies. Results are usually available in less than a week.
• Selective IgA deficiency is a disease of the immune system characterized by insufficient amounts of immunoglobulin A (IgA). Most people with selective IgA deficiency do not have recurrent infections and are often unaware of this situation. However, some people with IgA deficiency develop pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, allergies, asthma, or diarrhea.

Some may have a selective IgA deficiency such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease.

• IgA is the first antibody to deal with an infection, especially viral ones, and it appears in the first days. It is logical, therefore, that this immunoglobulin is present in abundance in the mucous membranes, the routes of entry into our body.
• IgA, IgG, and IgM are generally measured simultaneously. Taken together, they provide important information about the functioning of the immune system, especially as it relates to infections and autoimmune diseases.
• Low levels of immunoglobulins make us more vulnerable to infections, which can manifest as very frequent or unusual bacterial or viral infections or chronic diarrhea. And very high immunoglobulin levels can be a sign of an autoimmune or chronic disease, an infection or some type of cancer.