Symptoms Of Selective IgA Deficiency And Related Conditions

Allergies

An individual who experiences frequent allergies may be affected by IgA deficiency. Immunoglobulin A is a type of antibody produced by the immune system that is critical for the proper function of the mucous membranes. Mucous membranes keep foreign substances and pathogens out of the internal tissues of the body and are located in the mouth, esophagus, nose, stomach, intestines, lungs, and vagina. Allergies occur when an allergen enters the airways and triggers an abnormal immune system reaction. Immunoglobulin A helps prevent inflammation by populating the mucous membranes around an individual's body and protecting them. It is this mechanism that is disrupted in selective IgA deficiency patients, making them more vulnerable to the inflammatory effects of other immune system components. The unprotected mucous membranes of an affected individual can allow allergens to reach the lung tissues and trigger an abnormal inflammatory allergic reaction.

Read more about the various symptoms of selective IgA deficiency now.