What is the Treatment for High IgE Levels?

High IgE Levels: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options Explained

IgE stands for immunoglobulin E, a specific type of antibody found in the immune system. It is a warning signal, telling the body of danger from substances such as pollen, dust, or parasites. High levels of IgE are not usually harmful in themselves, but they can instead signal a range of different conditions.

Allergies are by far the most common reason for raised IgE levels. Certain common allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, and certain foods, produces allergen which releases IgE antibodies, with symptoms ranging from mild, such as hay fever, to life-threatening, such as anaphylaxis.

Thus, it is crucial to understand the cause and symptoms of high IgE levels and seek timely treatment to avoid complications.

Keep reading for detailed insight!

What Causes High IgE Levels?

Increased IgE in an individual may be due to a variety of reasons. Some of the most common include:

• Allergies: The most common reason is when the immune system mistakenly recognizes harmless materials, such as pollen, dust mites, or food proteins, as harmful. It creates IgE antibodies to destroy them, leading to allergy symptoms such as sneezing, nasal discharge, and watery eyes.
• Parasitic Infections: Certain parasites, such as hookworms or roundworms, infect the body, prompting the immune system to overproduce IgE in an attempt to combat these intruders.
• Immune System Disorders: Certain immune system disorders result in the long-term overproduction of IgE, even in the absence of specific allergens or infections.
• Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID): A type of immunodeficiency that affects the body's capability for defense against infection and, at times, results in increased IgE levels.
• Other Causes: Occasionally, medications such as antibiotics or anticonvulsants can temporarily increase IgE levels. Chronic skin conditions, such as eczema, also occur in individuals with slightly elevated IgE levels. For those with eczema, an Allergy Panel Test can help identify related triggers.
• Genetic Factors:Allergy or immune system disease in family members may raise one's chances of having elevated IgE.

It is important to note that elevated IgE levels do not always indicate a serious illness. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential for a proper diagnosis, taking into account medical and family history alongside symptoms.

What are the Potential Symptoms and Complications of High IgE Levels?

High IgE itself is not a symptom but could be a sign of underlying illnesses. The most common symptoms characteristic of high IgE are:

Allergy Symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy eyes
• Hay fever
• Skin rashes
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing

Symptoms of Parasitic Infections:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Skin rashes
• Cough
• Fever

Symptoms of Immune System Disorders:

• Eczema
• Osteopenia (weakness of bones)
• Pneumonia
• Delayed shedding of baby teeth

Other Symptoms:

• Chronic weight loss
• Chronic fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever

Possible Complications With High IgE

• Chronic allergic diseases such as asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis
• Skin infection by bacteria such as Staphylococcus or fungal infections such as candidiasis
• Delayed and persistent wound healing
• Hyperimmunoglobulinemia E syndrome (HIES)
• Anaphylaxis
• Other immune deficiencies
• Other complications
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Developmental delays

How is High IgE Treated?

When IgE levels are high, treatment is guided primarily by identifying and addressing the underlying cause.

For instance, allergic asthma has different treatment approaches, including trying to avoid the offending allergens. Nevertheless, since it can be very difficult to avoid environmental ubiquitous allergens entirely, additional therapy could be necessary.

• These are usually controlled with inhalers of corticosteroids and/or bronchodilators.
• Anti-IgE medication like Xolair (omalizumab) may be added in conjunction with bronchodilators.
• For other allergic reactions, antihistamines are often used, and severe allergic responses may require epinephrine administration.

Various conditions that are associated with elevated IgE require different treatments. Autoimmune disorders such as lupus are managed with immunosuppressive drugs, while lymphoma is managed with chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

At Star Health, we make a promise to offer benefits to families with end-to-end health insurance solutions for rare and chronic diseases. With early medical treatment and financial security, you can concentrate on what is most important—your dear one's good health and well-being.

Call us today for further details!