Wither IgE?
NATIONAL JOURNAL OF HOMOEOPATHY 2004 Nov / Dec VOL VI NO 6.
Dr C H Asrani
What is IgE Antibody?
IgE is the class of antibodies produced in the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes. It is a major factor in allergic reactions. The antigen-specific IgE interacts with mast cells and eosinophils, triggers the release of histamine, leukotrienes and other substances that lead to the itching, sneezing and congestion of allergies - and the life threatening respiratory distress of asthma and anaphylactic shock. Every individual has different IgE antibodies, and each allergic substance stimulates production of its own specific IgE.
Estimation of IgE Antibodies
Qualitative determination of total serum IgE is done to gauge the severity of the allergic reaction and will help determine the long duration of treatment. It is generally resorted to in chronic urticaria, chronic allergic dermatitis as well as chronic & recurrent allergic rhinitis.
Quantitative determination of total serum IgE can be made accurately. Specific IgE levels must be measured with sensitive techniques such as by Radio Allegro Sorbent Testing (RAST). The purpose is to test for reaction to certain respiratory and food allergy stimulants.
The RAST tests measure the increase and quantity of allergen-specific IgE antibodies. These measurements are used in persons, especially children, with extrinsic asthma, hay fever, and atopic dermatitis and are an accurate and convenient alternative to skin testing. Although more expensive, they do not cause hypersensitivity reactions.
In most cases, though, IgE estimation is not warranted.
