Understanding Normal IgE Levels, Low, and High By Age
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Geetanjali Gupta
Written By Muskan Taneja
on Jan 20, 2025
Last Edit Made By Muskan Taneja
on Jan 20, 2025
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Have you ever thought about how your body fights against infection? Your body fights it with the antibodies present. Immunoglobulins or antibodies are proteins that help the body fight against infection. IgE, IgG, and IgM are immunoglobulins that fight against germs and diseases. The normal IgE levels indicate that your body functions against an allergic reaction. However, it differs based on age and gender. This blog will provide you with detailed information about normal IgE levels.
What is IgE?
IgE immunoglobulin is usually found in small amounts. Its higher level can indicate an allergic reaction. It is an antibody that responds to an allergic reaction and fights parasite infections. The normal IgE levels indicate the same and proper functioning.
IgE is a Y-shaped protein with two light chains and two heavy chains of peptides. There are two types of IgE receptors. This includes:
- High-Affinity Receptors
- Low-Affinity Receptors
High IgE levels are associated with allergies, bacteria, parasites, and certain viral infections. However, it may also indicate a type of immunodeficiency, inflammation, asthma, and certain cancers.
What is the Role of IgE?
The IgE is vital in protecting the body against infections and diseases. However, your healthcare provider may check IgE levels for certain other reasons. These include:
- To determine frequent allergies
- To detect a parasitic infection
- To investigate for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA).
They may suggest the IgE test to check your immunoglobulin E levels in the body. Book the IgE test with Healthy India ki Trusted Lab- Redcliffe Labs and benefit from home sample collection.
Normal IgE Levels
The normal IgE levels differ by age and gender. Besides, normal IgE levels can also vary based on laboratory standards. Here is a detailed table-wise description of normal IgE levels by age.
Age | Normal IgE Range |
0 to 1 year | 0–15 IU/mL |
1 year to 5 years | 0–60 IU/mL |
6 years to 9 years | 0–90 IU/mL |
10 years to 15 years | 0–200 IU/mL |
15 years or above | 0–100 IU/mL |
Causes of Higher than Normal IgE Levels
The following conditions can cause higher than normal IgE levels in the body.
- Allergic rhinitis
- Atopic eczema
- Parasitic infections
- Myeloma
- ABPA
- Asthma
- Inflammatory disease like Kawasaki’s disease
- Inflammatory bowel syndrome
- Chronic infection
- Liver disease
Is High IgE Levels Dangerous?
High levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) can indicate an allergy or other health condition, which can be dangerous in some cases.
- Allergies: High IgE levels are a hallmark of allergic diseases, such as eczema, asthma, and chronic skin infections.
- Inborn errors of immunity: High IgE levels can show a monogenic atopic disorder or inborn errors of immunity.
- Infectious diseases: High IgE levels can indicate chronic parasitic or respiratory infections.
Risks Associated with High IgE levels
- Severe allergic reaction- High IgE levels can increase the risk of severe allergic reactions, like anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.
- Cancer- High IgE levels have been associated with certain cancers, including non-Hodgkin lymphomas, oral cavity and pharynx cancer, and lung cancer.
- Tissue or organ damage- High IgE levels can lead to persistent inflammation that can damage tissue or organs.
Normal IgE Levels in Asthma
People with asthma have higher levels of IgE than people without asthma. The normal IgE levels in asthma are 1.5 to 144 IU/L, but the normal level may vary from person to person.
Studies found that the mean IgE levels for people with mild asthma were 464 IU/ml, while the mean levels for people with severe asthma were 1045.32 IU/ml.
The Procedure of The IgE Test
The IgE blood test does not require any fasting from the patient. A blood sample is collected and sent to the lab for analysis. Results are usually communicated less than 2 days later, with the report outlining the current IgE level and the normal reference range.
The ordering physician needs to interpret the results along with other test results. The total IgE test result does not offer information about the specific type of allergy, which is why doctors usually order complimentary testing.
Why Do You Need the IgE Level Test?
The IgE test can also be used to track the progress of a patient who has a known allergy disease, such as:
- Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
- Allergic rhinitis (also known as Hay Fever)
- Allergic conjunctivitis (eye inflammation)
- Asthma
- Chronic rhinosinusitis
One must undertake the test by observing symptoms. So, explore the serum IgE test to contact the best diagnostic center, like Redcliffe Labs. Do not overlook the signs of allergies; here are several symptoms of allergies:
- Coughing
- Stuffy Nose
- Sneezing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Watery Eyes
- Breathlessness
- Indigestion
- Rashes On Skin
Steps to Book A Test from Redcliffe Labs
- Visit the website, www.redcliffelabs.com
- Search for the specific test you need.
- Click on ‘Book Now.’
- Fill out the required details (address and time).
- A phlebotomist will visit your home for a sample collection.
- Receive the test reports within no time.
The Bottom Line
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a complex antibody with several functions but is best known for its role in the allergic response. It is an important antibody in fighting off parasites. Extremely high or undetectable IgE levels indicate various health problems.
While research continues, a better understanding of the function of IgE has led to the development of important medications that can improve the lives of individuals with IgE-associated illnesses.