Living with Selective IgM deficiency
A rare immune condition with little or no IgM antibody, which can lead to repeated infections.
Understanding Selective IgM deficiency
IgM is the first antibody the body makes against a new infection, so low IgM can make fighting infections harder. It can occur in infants, children, or adults. It may occur on its own or alongside other conditions, such as autoimmune, allergic, or digestive diseases. Some people have no symptoms specific to it and are found while being checked for something else.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Repeated infections
- Repeated sinus infections
- Repeated pneumonia
- Repeated colds and chest infections
- Allergies
- Autoimmune conditions
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include allergy and immune system specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Immune Deficiency Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Allergy and immune system specialists (allergists / immunologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Immune Deficiency Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Jeffrey Modell Foundation and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the cause is still unclear. It usually occurs in only one person in a family, though some families are reported. It may occur with chromosome conditions such as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.
Also known as: selective igm deficiency disease; selective igm immunodeficiency; selective immunoglobulin m deficiency
Patient organizations
- Jeffrey Modell FoundationSelective IgM deficiency · United States
- Immune Deficiency FoundationPrimary immunodeficiency · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Selective IgM deficiency.
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