IgE Inhalant Allergy Test - Serum

Overview:

Inhalant (or respiratory) allergens are environmental substances that can trigger an allergic reaction when they are inhaled into the body, including common substances such as pollen, grasses, dust mites, animal dander, mold spores, and even some types of chemicals. Elevated levels of IgE can be observed when the body overreacts to these typically harmless substances. This type of allergic reaction can result in a wide range of symptoms from mild (sneezing, runny nose, congestion) to severe and potentially life-threatening (anaphylaxis). MosaicDX?s IgE Inhalant Allergy Test is a blood-based (serum) panel that focuses on the presence of inhalant specific allergens across several clinically important groups: pets, dust, insects, molds, and pollen. Understanding IgE Reactions Immunoglobulin E (IgE) allergic reactions are known as Type 1 or immediate hypersensitivity reactions that occur when an individual encounters a triggering substance. As a normal component of the immune system, IgE is usually present in small amounts in the human body; however, exposure to various allergens such as microbes, foods, and environmental substances can trigger an IgE response. When exposure to an allergen occurs, the immune system reacts with a robust production of IgE antibodies which bind to and activate specialized white blood cells ? mast cells and basophils ? which are located throughout the body though present in higher numbers in the skin, respiratory and digestive tracts. This in turn leads to the release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals which can result in a wide array of symptoms ? from hives and rashes to allergic rhinitis, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Serum IgE tests measure IgE antibody levels in the blood, and the risk of severe reactions is assumed to increase with higher levels of IgE. Given that, elevated levels of IgE antibodies indicate that a patient may experience physiological effects from inhaling environmental allergens to which they are sensitive. Why Test Inhalant Allergen Specific IgE Antibodies? Testing for inhalant allergen specific IgE antibodies provides clinicians with a tool to identify, treat, and monitor the effectiveness of inhalant allergy management in patients. As an example, the findings provided on MosaicDX?s IgE Inhalant Allergy Test could be used to create personalized treatment plans for allergen avoidance to alleviate symptoms triggered by environmental sources. While elevated levels of inhalant specific IgE antibodies can indicate increased sensitivity to certain environmental sources, it is important to note that having measurable IgE for a particular allergen does not guarantee that a patient will have allergy symptoms when exposed to it ? or predict the severity of their allergic symptoms. While IgE-mediated allergies are typically associated with immediate and easily recognizable reactions, not all IgE responses are. In some patients, symptoms may be very mild or highly non-specific. Given that, clinical correlation of a patient?s test results with their medical history and symptoms is always warranted.