Relevance of IgE Levels to Allergy Testing
Traditionally, the concept of allergy implied an abnormal response to an otherwise benign agent with an easily identifiable relationship between exposure and disease. However, there are syndromes in which the relationship between exposure to the relevant allergen and the “allergic” disease is not clear. In these cases the presence of specific IgE antibodies can play an important role in identifying the relevant allergen and provide a guide to therapy. Good examples include chronic asthma and exposure to perennial indoor allergens and asthma related to fungal infection.
Modern Medicine – June/July 2018