Analysis for Immunoglobulin E

Allergy is becoming a real scourge of our generation. Dust, citrus fruits, animal hair are just a few of the potential sources of allergens. And, when you come to allergists with your trouble, the first thing you hear is an instruction to take an immunoglobulin E test. But what is this substance and how is it related to your illness? This article will help you figure it out.

Immunoglobulin E. Friend or Foe?

Immunoglobulins are a family of special antibodies, persistent guards of your body, protecting it from any external influences. Including allergens. Immunoglobulin E, or IgE, is responsible for the fight against the latter. .

Of all immunoglobulins, IgE has the lowest concentration in the body - less than 100 IU / ml in an adult. But as soon as allergens are found in your blood, the number of antibodies begins to grow at a tremendous rate. And along with them, the amount of active substances produced by them is also growing. First of all, the hormones serotonin and histamine, which cause inflammation. Sneezing, runny nose, rash - these are all consequences of the work of immunoglobulin E.

Elevated levels of IgE can also indicate more serious problems in the body. For example, about infection with parasites, such as ascaris worms or helminth larvae. Monitoring its level is also important for those who have recently undergone an organ or tissue transplant. So, when you are again assigned an analysis for immunoglobulin E, do not rush to refuse. The result may not be encouraging, but most diseases are easier to deal with in the early stages.

When is an analysis ordered?

The fact that IgE is activated exclusively by allergenic substances makes it an ideal tool for detecting allergic diseases. His research is assigned in the following cases:

•          Suspicion of allergies by external symptoms;
•          The presence of a hereditary predisposition to allergic diseases;
•          With bronchitis, asthma and other similar diseases;
•          With a possible infection with parasites;
•          During the recovery period after organ transplant operations;
•          During pregnancy, for the prediction of allergic diseases of the fetus;
•          If you suspect the presence of oncological and genetic diseases.

Allergists and immunologists recommend that their patients undergo this analysis every six months. Thus, constant monitoring of the state of the body is guaranteed. This is especially true in the spring and summer, which is the peak of allergenic diseases.

Conducting the analysis and its results

take an anal test for immunoglobulin E in most clinics.
A similar service is also provided in any medical laboratory in your city. Material for research is taken from the cubital vein using a vacutainer or a traditional syringe. Blood sampling takes place in the morning on an empty stomach. As in the case of a complete blood count, it is necessary to prepare for blood donation for IgE. Otherwise, the readings may be seriously distorted. To ensure the most accurate results, you need to:

1.        Give up alcohol 3-4 days before delivery;
2.        Limit physical activity for the same period;
3.        The day before delivery, exclude spicy and fried foods from the diet;
4.        Do not eat for 8-12 hours before the analysis;
5.        Do not smoke on the day of analysis;
6.        Drink only non-carbonated drinking water.

Another important factor that influences test results is the medications you take. First of all, antibiotics based on penicillin. Therefore, it is better to refuse to take them a few days before delivery. If this is not possible, be sure to inform your doctor about taking them.

Deciphering the results of the analysis for Immunoglobulin E takes several days, after which you will receive all the indicators. Normally, the IgE level should have the following values:

•          Newborns and children up to 3 months - 0-2 IU / ml;
•          Children from 3 to 6 months - 3-10 IU / ml;
•          Children from 6 to 12 months - 8-20 IU / ml;
•          Children from 1 to 5 years old - 10-50 IU / ml;
•          Children from 5 to 16 years old - 16-200 IU / ml;
•          Children over 16 years old and adults - 20-100 IU / ml.

If in the decoding of your analysis, instead of International Units per milliliter (IU / ml), Kilounits per liter (kU / l) are indicated, do not be afraid. The value of this does not change. Some laboratories use alternative units, such as µg/L, but this is the exception rather than the rule. If you encounter this, be aware that the conversion factor is as follows:

·         1 IU/ml = 0.42 µg/l

What to do with the result of the IgE test?

After receiving the result, you need to contact your doctor. Moreover, this should be done not only with increased results of the analysis for immunoglobulin E, but also with a reduced level of antibodies. The cause of IgE deficiency can be both congenital deficiency and severe diseases in a latent form. First of all, immunodeficiency and oncology.

In most cases, after examining the level of immunoglobulin, a search is made for possible allergens. Thus, the doctor will be able to determine the cause of the disease and prescribe the optimal treatment, which will prevent possible complications.

It is not recommended to bring down the level of IgE on your own. This protein is only a signal marker and is not a source of disease. As soon as the cause of your allergy is eliminated, its level will return to normal on its own.

Of course, there are drugs that reduce the level of IgE. An example is phenytoin. But you can use such medicines only as directed by your doctor. Otherwise, the results of the next immunoglobulin E test will be highly distorted.

Tips for allergy sufferers

Allergy is a very unpleasant disease. In addition to many inconveniences for you and your loved ones, it can carry with it a number of complications. Therefore, we have prepared for you some simple tips that will help you survive the period of exacerbation more calmly:

• Watch your diet carefully. Eliminate carbonated drinks, citrus fruits and alcohol;
• Limit the consumption of processed foods and fried foods in favor of boiled or stewed foods;
• Try to consume more fermented milk products and rosehip broth;
• Do a wet cleaning of your premises more often and install an air purifier in the house;
• Try not to go outside on sunny days. It is better to walk and move around during or immediately after the rain;
• Carefully monitor your response to various medications. If you notice an intolerance, be sure to report it to your doctor.

An immunoglobulin E test is without a doubt one of the most important tools in the fight against allergies. It is simple, reliable and efficient. But even the best detection tools are useless without proper treatment. Remember this and live a long and healthy life.