IgG deficiency can cause vulnerability to infections, especially respiratory ones. It can be caused by genetic disorders, malnutrition, kidney failure, cancer, and certain medications. Diagnosis involves blood tests and CT scans. Treatment may include antibiotics, regular checkups, IgG replacement therapy, and surgery.
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is a component of blood plasma that is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. IgG helps neutralize bacteria, viruses and environmental toxins before they can infect and damage cells in the body. An IgG deficiency can leave a person susceptible to chronic and recurring infections, especially respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Most patients who have the condition need to take antibiotics on a regular basis and schedule frequent checkups with their doctors to prevent serious complications. In cases of severe deficiency, periodic blood transfusions may be required to replenish IgG levels throughout the patient’s life.
Several factors can contribute to this disorder, but most cases are associated with inherited genetic disorders. X-linked agammaglobulinemia, a condition that primarily affects males, inhibits the development of B cells that create IgG in the immune system. Genetic conditions tend to become prevalent in infancy or early childhood. A person can also develop an IgG deficiency later in life due to protein malnutrition, kidney failure, or cancer. Additionally, long-term use of anticonvulsants and immunosuppressive drugs for other conditions has been linked to reduced IgG levels.
An IgG deficiency by itself does not normally cause physical symptoms, but it can leave the body highly vulnerable to frequent viral and bacterial infections. A person with this disorder is likely to experience recurring respiratory infections that can lead to bronchitis, pneumonia, and obstructive pulmonary disease. Chronic sinus infections, the flu, and bacteria-related skin infections are also common with IgG deficiencies. Very low levels of IgG can also render vaccines useless, and vaccinations can actually trigger the diseases they are designed to prevent.
A doctor usually decides to screen for IgG deficiency and other immune system disorders when a patient is suffering from chronic infections. Blood samples are taken and analyzed in a hospital laboratory to measure IgG levels. If a patient has recurring severe breathing problems, a computed tomography scan may be done to evaluate physical damage to the lungs.
Some patients do not need to receive treatment directly aimed at their deficiencies. If your IgG levels are moderately low, daily antibiotics and regular office visits may be sufficient. IgG replacement therapy, which involves transfusions every three to four weeks, may be needed if levels are very low. Surgery isn’t effective at improving a deficiency, but a procedure may be needed if infections have severely damaged lung or sinus tissue. Most patients are able to manage their conditions when they take infection prevention measures and follow doctors’ orders.
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