When is High IgE Levels Dangerous for Senior Citizens?

Time to read 3 min

High IgE levels can be dangerous for a number of reasons, including risk escalation, undiagnosed condition, and symptoms complexity. A senior citizen may not realise that they have a condition based on the types of symptoms present and may need a blood test for IgE to get accurate information.


It's important to know when is high IgE levels dangerous for individuals so that you can take the right steps in fixing your levels. You can also take the right actions for seniors so that they're able to prevent the emergence of a disease or a condition.

When is high IgE levels considered dangerous?

Total serum IgE levels can range between 150 to 1000 UI/ml for individuals, but for seniors a range that is above 300 UI/ml should be checked out. There may be a critical risk present when the serum levels range higher and higher, especially upon testing multiple times.


You want to ensure that you have access to the entire medical history of the senior citizen, so that the doctor is able to make the proper diagnosis. If they have had breathing issues in the past and are showing signs of coughing, then that should be the preliminary area targeted.


What do I do if I have high IgE levels?

In patients with hyper IgE syndrome or those associated with a disorder, there may be several strategies you can follow to bring your total IgE down. In the case of consistently higher serum IgE levels, or long-term elevated IgE you need to get a complete blood test done.

Start treatment immediately

You should focus on treatment immediately, especially if there is an allergy-driven issue such as with dust or pollution. You can also get the diagnosis of the underlying condition done quickly so that you're able to bring IgE levels to normal.

Get further testing done

You can get ultrasounds, CT scans, and complete blood profile testing done to check if you have a risk of an underlying condition. This can also help ensure that there is no undiagnosed condition present that may be causing an issue.

Check for risk of Hyper IgE Syndrome (HIES)

HIES is an immunodeficiency syndrome in which you may experience symptoms such as lung infections, skin conditions, eosinophilia, etc. Your IgE levels may also be elevated, which can be an overall sign that you may have HIES.

Focus on reducing exposure to allergens

There may be several sets of allergens that you need to be careful of such as pollen, dust, etc. Of the many allergen types, you need a blood test done to determine which ones are impacting your immunoglobulin E et al.

Track your IgE and other levels

You should get a regular blood test check-up done of your IgE levels, especially when starting a new medication or adopting new lifestyle related habits. By tracking your Ig levels, you can prevent risk escalation and recurrence of illnesses.



What are the other Ig levels that should be tracked?

There are multiple Ig levels that should be tracked if you're a senior. This is so that you're aware of any potential risk factors that may be present. You can also get treatment started sooner if you understand the risks present in terms of infections, bacteria, etc.

IgG (Immunoglobulin G)

IgG is one of the more common immunoglobulins released against bacteria and viruses that may be present in the bloodstream.

IgA (Immunoglobulin A)

If a senior has a respiratory illness or an issue with breathing, then there may be the presence of IgA to counter infections in the mucosal tissue.

IgD (Immunoglobulin D)

IgD binds to the B cells to create the immune response and is generally present in smaller amounts in the person's blood.

IgE (Immunoglobulin E)

IgE is released as a part of an allergic reaction to a parasite, and can be detected with an IgE test.

IgM (Immunoglobulin M)

IgM is found in lymph fluid and is released as a response to infections and to trigger the release of other antibodies. 


 *Medical Disclaimer - The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphic, and images, are intended as substitutes for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice pertaining to your condition(s)

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