Add-On: IgE Inhalants

The IgE Inhalants panel measures IgE antibodies to 16 common indoor and outdoor inhalants specific to 18 North American geographic regions. The patient's geographic region will determine which 16 biomarkers will be measured. This test can be added to any other immunology profile.

What is the Add-on: IgE Inhalants by Genova Diagnostics?

This is a serum test that assesses IgE antibodies produced in response to 16 of the following common indoor and outdoor inhalants.  The inhalants selected for testing depend on which of the 18 North American geographic regions the individual currently lives.

Bermuda Grass

Cockroach

Australian Pine

Common Ragweed

Cottonwood Tree

Cultivated Oat Grass

Elm Tree

Giant Ragweed

Maple Tree

Mesquite Tree

Dermatophagoides microceras

Generic Mold

Western Ragweed

White Mulberry

Mountain Cedar (Juniper)

Dandelion

Lamb's Quarters

Dog Dander

Orchard Grass

Cat Dander

Pecan Tree

Rough Pigweed

Canary Grass

Bromegrass

Birch Tree

Alder Tree

Walnut Tree

Scale

Rough Marsh Elder

Olive Tree

Oak Tree

English Plantain

Sweet Vernal Grass

Nettle

Cocklebur

Russian Thistle

Perennial Ryegrass

Timothy Grass

Bahia Grass

Johnson Grass

Kentucky Blue/June Grass

Dermatophagoides farinae

Eucalyptus

Redtop Grass

Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus

Additionally, it contains a Total IgE score.

What is the Clinical Relevance of the Add-On: IgE Inhalants by Genova Diagnostics?

IgE, an immunoglobulin subclass, plays a pivotal role in the body's allergic responses, particularly immediate hypersensitivity reactions triggered by exposure to foreign substances. 

Allergy symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, coughing, red eyes, and itching, can vary depending on the allergen. If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen and lead to complications like nasal congestion and sore throats. 

In severe cases, allergies can trigger life-threatening reactions known as anaphylaxis, characterized by symptoms such as itching, swelling, respiratory distress, gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular symptoms, headache, confusion, and loss of consciousness, necessitating immediate medical attention.

In addition to reporting IgE responses to 16 common environmental triggers, this Add-On panel contains a Total IgE score, which may help clinicians understand if a patient’s symptoms are being driven by an allergic response outside of the individual allergens tested in this profile.  [3.]

The Add-On: IgE Inhalants by Genova Diagnostics may provide additional insight for clinicians:

Distinguishing between seasonal and perennial allergies: IgE serum testing offers a comprehensive view of allergic sensitivities, distinguishing between seasonal allergens like pollen and perennial allergens such as dust mites. [6.]

Differentiating between these types of allergens informs tailored treatment plans, addressing both short-term seasonal issues and long-term chronic symptoms from perennial exposure. 

Providing a broader context to understand an individual’s total allergenic burden: if a patient exhibits allergy symptoms or has tested positive for allergens like Aspergillus, Yeast, and Candida on food allergy and sensitivity tests, it may be prudent to extend testing to include environmental allergens. [11.]

This approach enables healthcare providers to comprehensively assess the patient's allergic sensitivities, as exposure to environmental allergens can exacerbate existing symptoms or contribute to overall allergic burden. 

Understanding an individual’s immune response to molds: serum IgE testing for molds assesses immediate hypersensitivity, aiding in the identification of specific mold allergens triggering allergic responses. This information guides targeted treatments like allergen avoidance or immunotherapy. [5.] 

In contrast, urine mycotoxin testing aims to detect mold toxins but lacks the ability to assess allergic sensitization or immediate immune responses effectively. Therefore, for evaluating allergic reactions to molds and guiding allergy management, IgE serum testing remains the more established and clinically relevant approach.

Who Can Benefit from the Add-On: IgE Inhalants by Genova Diagnostics? 

Allergy sufferers: Individuals experiencing symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, or wheezing, which may indicate allergic reactions to environmental allergens, can benefit from this simple Add-On test. 

Identifying specific allergens can guide personalized treatment plans including avoidance strategies, medication management, or allergen immunotherapy, leading to symptom relief and improved quality of life. [1., 2.]

Patients with chronic respiratory conditions: Individuals with conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may benefit from this Add-On test to identify triggers exacerbating their symptoms. 

Avoiding exposure to specific allergens can help reduce respiratory inflammation. [1., 2., 4.]

Individuals with suspected allergic reactions: Patients experiencing unexplained symptoms such as skin rashes, hives, or gastrointestinal distress may benefit from allergen testing to identify potential triggers in their environment.  

Allergies and sensitivities can manifest in troubling dermatological and/or gastrointestinal symptoms, and identifying and avoiding specific allergens can help alleviate symptoms and prevent future allergic reactions, promoting overall health and well-being. [5.]

Those seeking to improve indoor air quality: Individuals concerned about indoor air quality, particularly in homes or workplaces, can benefit from allergen testing to identify potential sources of allergen exposure, such as dust mites, pet dander, or mold.

 Taking proactive measures to reduce allergen levels can help create a healthier indoor environment and reduce the risk of allergic symptoms. [8.]

‍People suffering from unexplained symptoms including fatigue, brain fog, pain, infertility: 

Individuals experiencing unexplained fatigue, brain fog, pain, infertility, and other systemic symptoms may benefit from this Add-On test to uncover potential underlying allergens contributing to their health issues. 

Allergic reactions to environmental allergens can manifest in various ways, including systemic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and oxidative stress, which may exacerbate symptoms such as fatigue and cognitive dysfunction. Identifying and addressing specific allergens through avoidance strategies or immunotherapy can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall health and well-being. 

Additionally, allergic reactions have been associated with chronic pain conditions and infertility, highlighting the importance of addressing environmental triggers in comprehensive treatment approaches. [9., 12.]

Collection and Shipping

This is an Add-On test.  For full collection and shipping instructions, click here.

References

[1.] Ansotegui IJ, Melioli G, Canonica GW, Caraballo L, Villa E, Ebisawa M, Passalacqua G, Savi E, Ebo D, Gómez RM, Luengo Sánchez O, Oppenheimer JJ, Jensen-Jarolim E, Fischer DA, Haahtela T, Antila M, Bousquet JJ, Cardona V, Chiang WC, Demoly PM, DuBuske LM, Ferrer Puga M, Gerth van Wijk R, González Díaz SN, Gonzalez-Estrada A, Jares E, Kalpaklioğlu AF, Kase Tanno L, Kowalski ML, Ledford DK, Monge Ortega OP, Morais Almeida M, Pfaar O, Poulsen LK, Pawankar R, Renz HE, Romano AG, Rosário Filho NA, Rosenwasser L, Sánchez Borges MA, Scala E, Senna GE, Sisul JC, Tang MLK, Thong BY, Valenta R, Wood RA, Zuberbier T. IgE allergy diagnostics and other relevant tests in allergy, a World Allergy Organization position paper. World Allergy Organ J. 2020 Feb 25;13(2):100080. doi: 10.1016/j.waojou.2019.100080. Erratum in: World Allergy Organ J. 2021 Jun 17;14(7):100557. PMID: 32128023; PMCID: PMC7044795. 

[2.] Birch K, Pearson-Shaver AL. Allergy Testing. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537020/ 

[3.] Chung D, Park KT, Yarlagadda B, Davis EM, Platt M. The significance of serum total immunoglobulin E for in vitro diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2014 Jan;4(1):56-60. doi: 10.1002/alr.21240. Epub 2013 Nov 12. PMID: 24227797.

[4.] Froidure A, Mouthuy J, Durham SR, Chanez P, Sibille Y, Pilette C. Asthma phenotypes and IgE responses. European Respiratory Journal. 2015;47(1):304-319. doi:https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.01824-2014

[5.] Kespohl S, Liebers V, Maryska S, Meurer U, Litzenberger C, Merget R, Raulf M. What should be tested in patients with suspected mold exposure? Usefulness of serological markers for the diagnosis. Allergol Select. 2022 Mar 29;6:118-132. doi: 10.5414/ALX02298E. PMID: 35392215; PMCID: PMC8982061.

[6.] Rosenstreich DL, Eggleston P, Kattan M, Baker D, Slavin RG, Gergen P, Mitchell H, McNiff-Mortimer K, Lynn H, Ownby D, Malveaux F. The role of cockroach allergy and exposure to cockroach allergen in causing morbidity among inner-city children with asthma. N Engl J Med. 1997 May 8;336(19):1356-63. doi: 10.1056/NEJM199705083361904. PMID: 9134876.

[7.] van Splunter M, Liu L, van Neerven RJJ, Wichers HJ, Hettinga KA, de Jong NW. Mechanisms Underlying the Skin-Gut Cross Talk in the Development of IgE-Mediated Food Allergy. Nutrients. 2020 Dec 15;12(12):3830. doi: 10.3390/nu12123830. PMID: 33333859; PMCID: PMC7765270. 

[8.] Wang H, Li XB, Chu XJ, Cao NW, Wu H, Huang RG, Li BZ, Ye DQ. Ambient air pollutants increase the risk of immunoglobulin E-mediated allergic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 Jul;29(33):49534-49552. doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-20447-z. Epub 2022 May 20. PMID: 35595897; PMCID: PMC9122555.

[9.] Wasilewska E, Małgorzewicz S. Impact of allergic diseases on fertility. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2019 Oct;36(5):507-512. doi: 10.5114/ada.2019.89501. Epub 2019 Nov 12. PMID: 31839765; PMCID: PMC6906954.

[10.] World Health Organization. Mycotoxins. Who.int. Published May 9, 2018. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mycotoxins 

[11.] Xing H, Wang J, Sun Y, Wang H. Recent Advances in the Allergic Cross-Reactivity between Fungi and Foods. J Immunol Res. 2022 Oct 7;2022:7583400. doi: 10.1155/2022/7583400. PMID: 36249419; PMCID: PMC9568318.

[12.] Yang TY, Kuo HT, Chen HJ, Chen CS, Lin WM, Tsai SY, Kuo CN, Kao CH. Increased Risk of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Following Atopy: A Population-Based Study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2015 Jul;94(29):e1211. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000001211. PMID: 26200644; PMCID: PMC4603016.