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IgE total is a test of the level of antibodies when a child has allergy symptoms. Total IgE testing, however, only plays an auxiliary role in the diagnosis of allergies.
What are IgE and what are their functions in the body?
IgE is one of the five types of antibodies (immunoglobulins) found in the human body. The other types are IgA, IgG, IgM, and IgD. Each of them has the ability to recognize and respond to specific types of antigens, i.e. factors that trigger allergies. Each type of antibody has slightly different properties and functions, so when a specific condition, such as an allergy, is suspected, it is advisable to test the level of a particular type of immunoglobulin. IgE was first described in 1967. These antibodies are responsible for allergic reactions because they stimulate the body’s cells to produce and release histamine, a substance related to different types of allergies. Another function of IgE is to fight parasites that try to colonize the human body – the level of these immunoglobulins increases significantly with parasitic infections.
What is the total IgE test?
Total IgE is a test that measures the level of this type of immunoglobulin in your body. The test is carried out on the basis of a blood sample. It is painless and non-invasive, and the result is considered to be reliable, indicating the presence of allergies, parasite infections or excluding them. A more precise test serving the same purpose is IgE specific – it provides more and more accurate information, allowing the association of an allergic reaction with a specific antigen (allergenic substance). After obtaining a blood sample from the patient, it is sent to a laboratory where the level of immunoglobulin IgE is measured.
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Indications for total IgE
The two most important indications for total IgE are suspicion and monitoring of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and severe asthma. Total IgE is also tested to assist in the diagnosis of various allergies, including food allergies. Usually, allergy tests (skin and other) are also ordered, which allows you to precisely determine which substances the patient is allergic to.
Ige norms total
Total IgE norms vary depending on the age of the patient. For newborns, the norm is up to 5-10 U / ml of blood, in infants it is 30 U / ml of blood, for children up to 10 years of age, the norm of total IgE is 300 U / ml of blood, and adults should have no more than 100 U / ml of blood. Men usually have a slightly higher concentration of IgE immunoglobulins, probably due to their more frequent use of various stimulants (alcohol, cigarettes). You should see a doctor with the total IgE test result, because each result should be interpreted individually, based on other parameters and the patient’s history. The total IgE result alone is not sufficient to clearly confirm or exclude an allergy. Moreover, it sometimes happens that the patient has symptoms of allergy and the level of total IgE is normal, and vice versa – the level of total IgE is elevated, and the patient does not report any allergic symptoms. This may be the case with the aforementioned higher immunoglobulin levels in men who smoke and abuse alcohol. The body then produces IgE antibodies just like an allergic reaction.
What could be the causes of increased total IgE?
In addition to allergic reactions, increased levels of total IgE can be caused by parasitic diseases and infections (e.g. pinworm infections are common in young children), malaria, bacterial diseases (e.g. tuberculosis), viral diseases such as mononucleosis, skin diseases such as psoriasis or alopecia areata and in the case of neoplastic changes, joint inflammation, cirrhosis, celiac disease and if the patient suffers from ischemic heart disease. Therefore, there may be many causes of increased total IgE, which is why it is not a reliable test that clearly indicates an allergy. However, it is helpful in detecting that something disturbing is going on in the body and searching for the cause of the condition through a patient interview and further research. Each case of increased levels of IgE immunoglobulins should be consulted with a doctor.