Table of Contents
Is High IgE serious?
Higher amounts can be a sign that the body overreacts to allergens, which can lead to an allergic reaction. IgE levels can also be high when the body is fighting an infection from a parasite and from some immune system conditions.
What are the effects of high IgE levels?
Increased levels of IgE may contribute to symptoms of asthma, such as:
- Wheezing.
- Chest tightness.
- Shortness of breath.
- Recurrent cough5
Can you have high IgE without allergies?
Answer: The degree of increase in total IgE is very unusual. The general considerations would be atopic dermatitis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, possible allergic fungal sinusitis, immunodeficiency or parasite infestation. Asthma increases IgE but not to the level you describe.
What causes elevated IgE level?
Elevated serum immunoglobulin E(IgE) can be caused by allergies, infections and immune conditions including hyper IgE syndrome (HIES). HIES is a rare primary immunodeficiency disease most commonly characterized by a triad of findings, including increased serum IgE levels, recurrent skin abscesses, and pneumonias leading to pneumatocele formation.
What is considered a high IgE level?
For adults, elevated levels of immunoglobulin E or IgE are above 423 international units per milliliter of blood, according to WebMD. Normal values of IgE rest between 3 and 423 international units per milliliter of blood.
What causes high IgE levels in blood?
High IgE levels can be a sign of infection, allergic reaction, autoimmune disease or the presence of cancer. Low levels of IgE are hard to detect and usually are associated only with rare immunodeficiency diseases.
What does an elevated IgE level mean?
An IgE elevation can also indicate the presence of a parasitic infection but cannot be used to determine the type of infection. A normal IgE level makes it less likely that a person has allergies but does not rule them out due to the length of time between exposures. In between exposures, a person’s IgE level may drop.