Question 1

What is Hypogammaglobulinemia?

Accepted Answer

Hypogammaglobulinemia is a condition where your body has abnormally low levels of immunoglobulins, which are antibodies that fight infections. It is caused by primary immune deficiencies due to genetic mutations or secondary factors like certain medications, cancers, or chronic diseases that impair antibody production. The IgG blood test is the most important test for diagnosis because it measures your primary antibody defense against bacterial and viral infections.

Question 2

What causes hypogammaglobulinemia?

Accepted Answer

Hypogammaglobulinemia is caused by either primary immune deficiencies stemming from genetic mutations affecting B-cell development or secondary factors that suppress antibody production. Primary causes include conditions like Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) and X-linked Agammaglobulinemia, which are inherited disorders affecting how your body produces antibodies. Secondary causes include chronic lymphocytic leukemia, certain medications like immunosuppressants and chemotherapy drugs, severe burns, kidney disease with protein loss, and malnutrition that depletes the building blocks needed to make antibodies.

Question 3

What is the best test for hypogammaglobulinemia?

Accepted Answer

The IgG blood test is the most important test for hypogammaglobulinemia because it measures Immunoglobulin G, which makes up about 75% of all antibodies in your blood and provides your main defense against bacterial and viral infections. Low IgG levels directly indicate compromised immune function and increased infection risk. Your doctor may also order additional immunoglobulin tests measuring IgA and IgM levels to get a complete picture of your immune system, as well as specific antibody response tests to vaccines like tetanus or pneumonia to see if your body can mount an appropriate immune response.

Question 4

When should I get tested for hypogammaglobulinemia?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience frequent or recurrent infections that require antibiotics, particularly sinus infections, ear infections, pneumonia, or bronchitis occurring more than 4-6 times per year. Other red flags include infections that are unusually severe or difficult to treat, chronic diarrhea with weight loss, family history of immune deficiencies, or if you are taking medications known to suppress the immune system. Early detection through blood testing allows for prompt treatment with immunoglobulin replacement therapy to prevent serious complications.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of hypogammaglobulinemia?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of hypogammaglobulinemia primarily involve recurrent bacterial and viral infections affecting the respiratory system, sinuses, ears, and gastrointestinal tract. You might experience frequent pneumonia, chronic sinusitis, persistent ear infections, bronchitis, or chronic diarrhea that leads to weight loss and malabsorption. Some people develop chronic lung disease from repeated respiratory infections, while others may experience skin infections, joint inflammation, or autoimmune complications where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.

Question 6

Who is at risk for hypogammaglobulinemia?

Accepted Answer

People with family history of primary immunodeficiency disorders are at higher genetic risk, particularly males with X-linked agammaglobulinemia. Your risk increases if you have certain cancers like chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma, or lymphoma that affect antibody-producing cells. Taking immunosuppressive medications for autoimmune diseases or organ transplants, receiving chemotherapy, having chronic kidney disease with protein loss, or experiencing severe malnutrition can all trigger secondary hypogammaglobulinemia by interfering with normal antibody production.

Question 7

What happens if hypogammaglobulinemia is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated hypogammaglobulinemia leads to progressively frequent and severe infections that can cause permanent organ damage. Repeated lung infections result in chronic bronchiectasis where airways become permanently widened and scarred, leading to chronic breathing problems and decreased lung function. You face higher risks of life-threatening sepsis, meningitis, and opportunistic infections that healthy immune systems easily fight off. Long-term complications include chronic sinusitis requiring surgery, hearing loss from recurrent ear infections, chronic gastrointestinal disease with malabsorption, and increased susceptibility to certain cancers.

Question 8

Can hypogammaglobulinemia be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hypogammaglobulinemia is primarily diagnosed through blood tests that measure immunoglobulin levels. The quantitative immunoglobulin panel measures IgG, IgA, and IgM antibody levels in your bloodstream and compares them to normal ranges for your age. Additional blood tests may assess specific antibody responses to vaccines you have received, evaluate lymphocyte subsets to understand which immune cells are affected, and measure complement proteins that work alongside antibodies. These comprehensive blood tests provide definitive diagnosis and help distinguish between primary genetic causes and secondary acquired causes.

Question 9

How is hypogammaglobulinemia treated?

Accepted Answer

Hypogammaglobulinemia is primarily treated with immunoglobulin replacement therapy, where you receive concentrated antibodies from healthy donors either intravenously every 3-4 weeks or subcutaneously weekly at home. This replacement therapy provides the missing antibodies your body cannot produce, dramatically reducing infection frequency and severity. Your doctor will also prescribe prophylactic antibiotics to prevent bacterial infections, promptly treat any infections that occur with appropriate antimicrobials, and address underlying causes if your hypogammaglobulinemia is secondary to medications or other treatable conditions.

Question 10

How can I prevent hypogammaglobulinemia?

Accepted Answer

Primary genetic hypogammaglobulinemia cannot be prevented since it results from inherited mutations, but genetic counseling helps families understand inheritance patterns and risks. To prevent secondary hypogammaglobulinemia, work closely with your healthcare team to minimize immunosuppressive medication doses when possible while still managing your underlying condition effectively. Maintaining good nutrition with adequate protein intake supports antibody production, and avoiding exposure to infections through good hygiene and avoiding sick contacts protects your immune system from excessive strain.

Question 11

What can I do at home for hypogammaglobulinemia?

Accepted Answer

At home, practice meticulous hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after being in public spaces. Maintain a nutrient-rich diet high in protein, vitamins, and minerals to support whatever immune function you have, and stay up to date with vaccinations your doctor recommends as safe for your condition. Avoid crowds during cold and flu season, get adequate sleep to support immune function, manage stress through relaxation techniques, and maintain a clean home environment to minimize exposure to bacteria and mold that could cause infections.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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Hypogammaglobulinemia Blood Test

What is Hypogammaglobulinemia?

What causes hypogammaglobulinemia?

What is the best test for hypogammaglobulinemia?

When should I get tested for hypogammaglobulinemia?

References

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