What does it mean if immunoglobulin levels are high?
Disease description:
My child has had a fever since last week. After visiting the hospital, we found out that the immunoglobulin level is high. May I ask, what does it mean when immunoglobulin levels are elevated?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Elevated immunoglobulin levels may be caused by the following factors:
1. Drug reactions: Certain medications, such as antibiotics and rifampin, may cause increased immunoglobulin levels.
2. Infectious diseases: During infections caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, the immune system releases large amounts of immunoglobulins to fight the pathogens.
3. Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus cause the immune system to mistakenly attack the body's own tissues, leading to elevated immunoglobulin levels.
4. Tumors: Some cancers may lead to increased immunoglobulin levels, as tumor cells may produce structures similar to immunoglobulins.
Elevated immunoglobulin levels do not necessarily indicate a serious condition. However, if the elevation persists (hypergammaglobulinemia), prompt medical evaluation and treatment are recommended.
