Why globulin increase

High levels may indicate infection, inflammatory disease or immune disorders. High globulin levels may also indicate certain types of cancer, such as multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's disease, or malignant lymphoma.

However, abnormal results may be due to certain medications, dehydration, or other factors. To learn what your results mean, talk to your health care provider.

Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Globulin Test. What is a globulin test? These include: Total protein test. This blood test measures two types of proteins: globulin and albumin.

If protein levels are low, it can mean that you have liver or kidney disease. Serum protein electrophoresis. This blood test measures gamma globulins and other proteins in your blood. It can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions, including disorders of the immune system and a type of cancer called multiple myeloma. Other names for globulin tests: Serum globulin electrophoresis, total protein. What is it used for? Globulin tests can be used to help diagnose a variety of conditions, including: Liver damage or disease Kidney disease Nutritional problems Autoimmune disorders Certain types of cancer.

Why do I need a globulin test? These tests, called liver function tests, may be ordered if you are at risk for liver disease or have symptoms of liver disease, which may include: Jaundice , a condition that causes your skin and eyes to turn yellow Nausea and vomiting Itching Recurring fatigue Fluid buildup in the abdomen, feet, and legs Loss of appetite A serum protein electrophoresis test measures gamma globulins and other proteins.

Studies are now revealing that high globulin gamma gap is linked with an increased risk of disease and death. A review of more than 12k people found an increased risk of death from all causes in people with a gamma gap above 3. Similarly, a gamma gap over 3. In an observational study of 27, healthy people, a low albumin-to-globulin ratio similar to a high gamma gap , was linked with increased rates of cancer and death [ 13 ].

One possible answer is that increased production of immunoglobulins is linked with inflammation ; inflammatory factors like c-reactive protein and IL-6, for example, increase immunoglobulins [ 12 ]. Inflammation also rises with aging, which could explain why older people with higher gamma gaps were more likely to die than those with lower gamma gaps. The most important thing is to work with your doctor to treat any underlying conditions causing your high globulin levels.

The additional strategies below are other things that you may try if you and your doctor determine that they could be appropriate. Exercise more often. Both aerobic and strength exercise may help significantly decrease globulin levels in people [ 14 ]. In both men and women, more days per week of either aerobic or strength exercise were significantly associated with lower globulin [ 14 ].

You may also need to stop taking protein supplements, as these may be causing higher protein and globulin levels [ 15 ]. Drink more water to prevent dehydration [ 2 , 16 ]. Zinc may help prevent dehydration due to diarrhea, according to limited studies [ 17 ].

Electrolytes can also help with dehydration due to diarrhea [ 18 ]. Limit alcohol intake; alcohol can worsen dehydration [ 19 ]. Try to reduce stress, since acute stress may increase certain types of globulins [ 20 ]. The conditions we discuss here are commonly associated with low globulin, but this single symptom is not enough for a diagnosis. Work with your doctor to discover what underlying condition might be causing low globulin levels and to develop an appropriate plan to improve your health.

The most important thing is to work with your doctor to treat any underlying conditions causing your low globulin levels. Eating a diet with enough nutrients will prevent malnutrition and prevent your protein levels from becoming too low.

Serum globulin electrophoresis ; MedlinePlus. Boston: Butterworths Chapter For ages now I seem to get a horrible type of pain in my neck, collar bone and shoulders when drinking alcohol! It's not every time and sometimes if i'm drinking for example wine, one session I can Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions.

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This article is for Medical Professionals. In this article Introduction Tests and their clinical significance Investigating the cause of a raised globulin level Therapeutic uses of globulins. Globulins In this article Introduction Tests and their clinical significance Investigating the cause of a raised globulin level Therapeutic uses of globulins.

Introduction Globulins are a group of proteins within the blood. Alpha 1 globulins Mainly alpha-1 antitrypsin. Alpha 2 globulins Alpha 2 macroglobulin.

Beta globulins Transferrin. Complement components C3, C4, C5. Are you protected against flu? Further reading and references. Join the discussion on the forums.