High globulin levels in the blood are often a sign of an underlying infection or inflammatory process. Several infections can lead to elevated globulin levels because globulins are proteins that play a crucial role in the immune response.
Infections Associated with High Globulin
Many different infections can cause your body to produce more globulins as part of its immune response. Some examples include:
- Acute infections: Conditions like pneumonia and hepatitis can trigger a sharp increase in globulin production. Medichecks highlights acute infections as a cause of raised globulin levels.
- Chronic infections: Long-term infections, such as syphilis, can also lead to persistently high globulin levels. The provided text mentions syphilis as a chronic inflammatory disease associated with elevated globulin.
- Other infections: The increased globulin levels are a response to fight the infection. Various infections can trigger this response; it's not specific to one type of infection. MedlinePlus confirms that infection is a possible cause of high globulin levels.
Other Causes of High Globulin
It's important to remember that high globulin is not solely caused by infections. Other conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), liver disease, kidney disease, and certain cancers (multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's lymphoma), can also elevate globulin levels. The initial text mentions several such conditions, including leukemia, lupus, and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. Cleveland Clinic and VCA Animal Hospitals also state that high globulin can indicate autoimmune disease, infection, or cancer.
Determining the Cause
If you have high globulin levels, further medical investigations are necessary to identify the underlying cause. A doctor will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and order additional tests to reach a diagnosis. LiveSmart emphasizes the need for medical examinations to determine the cause of abnormal globulin levels.
