In this article we will talk about immunoglobulin E (IgE), its general characteristics in children, we will consider possible reasons for increasing immunoglobulin E in children, we will tell you what immunoglobulin E shows, if it is elevated in a child and what treatment is required in this case.
Immunoglobulin E in children and adults is on the surface of leukocytes of a certain type (basophils) and mast cells. Its main purpose is to participate in the work of antiparasitic immunity (and therefore, in the development of allergic reactions).
Normally, its content in the blood is minimal. In blood serum, the immunoglobulin E value is from 30 to 240 μg / l. But during the year the level of immunoglobulin does not fluctuate: its highest level is observed in May, and the lowest is usually in December. It is not difficult to explain this. In spring, in particular, in May, most plants are actively blooming, polluting the air with pollen (which is known to be a fairly aggressive allergen).
It should be borne in mind that at every age there are norms for the production of immunoglobulin E. As the child grows up, the production of immunoglobulin in the body increases, this is normal. Increasing or lowering the level of IgE in the blood, sharply exceeding the limits of the age norm, may indicate the development of certain diseases.
High immunoglobulin E in a child
If a child has high immunoglobulin E, this may indicate:
- hay fever;
- urticaria;
- infection with parasites (toxoplasmosis, helminths, schistosomes, trichinosis, echinococcus, amoebic invasion);
- atopic dermatitis;
- allergic rhinitis;
- food intolerance;
- atopic bronchial asthma;
- drug allergy;
- hyper-IgE syndrome;
- aplasia of the thymus;
- myeloma;
- allergic diseases of other species.
Low immunoglobulin E in a child
Observed with:
- hereditary hypogammaglobulinemia;
- some types of tumors;
- the syndrome of Louis-Bar (ataxia-telangiectasia).
To determine the level of immunoglobulin, special laboratory tests of blood (blood serum) are used. To ensure reliable results it is important to properly prepare for blood sampling for analysis. So, in the morning before the analysis you can not eat, blood surrenders on an empty stomach. The day before (and it is better for a few days) to exclude from the menu fatty, acute, irritating bowels dishes.
How to reduce immunoglobulin E?
Since the increase in the level of immunoglobulin E is associated with the influence of allergens, in order to reduce it, it is necessary to find out which substance the reaction manifests and, to the extent possible, to limit as much as possible the contact of the allergen and the child (patient). It will not be superfluous to prevent the restriction of the level of household physical and chemical allergens (animal hair, pollen, household chemicals, etc.), adjusting the diet to hypoallergenic.
Some specialists note the normalization of the level of immunoglobulin E when eating dietary supplements containing spirulina. Despite the mass of positive
A good result is the observance of a healthy lifestyle, a full-fledged diet, exercise (and an active lifestyle in general), outdoor exercise, etc. But still the main way to reduce immunoglobulin E is to exclude contact with the allergen.