From the Guidelines
The presence of IgE in a respiratory allergy profile is a clear indicator of an allergic response to specific respiratory allergens, confirming that your body has developed an allergic sensitivity to these substances, as supported by the most recent study 1. This immune reaction is what triggers allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, congestion, itchy eyes, or asthma when you're exposed to these allergens.
Key Points to Consider
- IgE (Immunoglobulin E) is an antibody produced by your immune system when it identifies a substance as harmful, even though it may be harmless for most people.
- When elevated IgE levels are detected against specific allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold, it confirms that your body has developed an allergic sensitivity to these substances, as stated in 1.
- Treatment typically involves allergen avoidance, antihistamines like cetirizine (10mg daily) or loratadine (10mg daily), nasal corticosteroids such as fluticasone (1-2 sprays per nostril daily), and in some cases, allergen immunotherapy, as recommended in 1.
- The specific allergens identified in your profile can help you develop targeted avoidance strategies and guide your healthcare provider in recommending the most appropriate treatment plan for your particular allergies, as suggested in 1.
Importance of IgE in Respiratory Allergy
IgE plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of respiratory allergies, as it helps to identify the specific allergens that trigger allergic reactions, allowing for targeted treatment and avoidance strategies, as discussed in 1.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for respiratory allergies include:
- Allergen avoidance
- Antihistamines
- Nasal corticosteroids
- Allergen immunotherapy It is essential to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment based on the specific allergens identified and the severity of symptoms, as recommended in 1.
From the Research
Presence of IgE in Respiratory Allergy Profile
The presence of IgE in a respiratory allergy profile indicates an immunoglobulin E-mediated process, which is a key player in multiple inflammatory airway diseases 2. This can include conditions such as allergic rhinitis (AR), local allergic rhinitis (LAR), asthma, or chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) 2.
Key Points
- High-affinity IgE in the bloodstream of allergic individuals mainly derives from the mucosae 2
- Mucosal synthesis of IgE can occur in the absence of systemic atopy and may be relevant in atopic and non-atopic phenotypes of rhinitis 2
- Specific IgE (sIgE) detection is highly specific for the diagnosis of LAR and can be useful in monitoring response to allergen-specific immunotherapy in both AR and LAR phenotypes 2
- Allergic rhinitis is an immunoglobulin E-mediated process, and a family history of allergic rhinitis, asthma, or atopic dermatitis increases a patient's risk of being diagnosed with allergic rhinitis 3
- The role of IgE in upper and lower airway disease is not limited to allergy, and its production can occur despite the lack of a specific allergen 4
IgE and Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy
Allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) is considered the most effective treatment for Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergies 5. SIT can lead to an early increase in total and specific IgE, followed by a decline, accompanied by a marked increase in specific IgG4 5. The SIT-induced responses are accompanied by increased plasma concentrations of certain chemokines, which could be important for the effect of such therapy 5.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is clinical and based on history, physical examination, and symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny or itchy nose, or sneezing 3. Serum or skin testing for specific allergens should be performed when there is an inadequate response to empiric treatment, if diagnosis is uncertain, or to guide initiation or titration of therapy 3. Intranasal corticosteroids are the first-line treatment for allergic rhinitis, and trigger-directed immunotherapy can be effectively delivered subcutaneously or sublingually 3. Understanding the role of IgE in each upper and lower airway disease highlights its potential utility as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target 4.