What Are IgE Levels?

IgE plays a major role in allergies and asthma. People who have many allergies will have elevated IgE levels, and this creates a risk for developing asthma.

Definition

• Immunoglobulin (IgE) is a natural material that is found in the blood and tissues within the body and plays a major role in the developing allergic asthma.

Low IgE Levels

• A low IgE level is anything below 4.2 units per milliliter. Having a low IgE level can cause a rare inherited disease called ataxia-telangiectasia, which affects muscle coordination.

High IgE Levels

• A high IgE level is above 592 units per milliliter. High IgE levels could indicate parasitic infection, cancer, allergic reactions, or an autoimmune disease.

Triggers

• Triggers that might elevate IgE levels include animal dander, cockroaches, dust mites and mold. These will cause wheezing, cough, shortness of breath and tightening of the chest.

Treatments

• Anti-IgE treatments benefit those who have chronic asthma or have had no relief with other steroid treatments.