This feature can aid in the diagnosis and management of allergies [ 19 ]. For example, testing for specific IgE might replace food challenges in diagnosing food allergies [ 20 , 21 ]. It can, however, point to certain clues, such as the risk of allergies, infections, and some chronic diseases [ 22 ].
IgE has the lowest concentration of all antibodies, especially in people without allergies. Normal values may vary in the scientific literature, but the usual reference range is 1. However, most labs have a limit of detection at IgE levels increase through childhood, peak at years of age, and then start dropping as we get older. Other factors that influence IgE levels include [ 28 , 30 , 23 , 31 ]:.
Being unspecific, the cost-effectiveness and the routine clinical use of total IgE blood tests is questionable [ 34 ]. When it comes to allergies, skin prick and patch tests remain the first choice. They are sensitive, suitable for most allergens, more convenient, and cheaper than a total IgE test [ 35 , 36 ].
IgE levels are a marker of immune health. Children and women usually have lower levels, but it depends on other factors discussed below. Allergies are the most common cause of elevated IgE. IgE increases in response to allergens, which are different for each person.
For some, the triggers are dietary food allergies , and for others they are seasonal pollen allergies [ 37 ]. In Asian children, the limit was even lower: Atopic dermatitis or eczema generally causes the highest IgE levels, followed by asthma and hay fever. In a study on Chinese children, those with higher IgE also had more severe forms of eczema. In people with seasonal allergies, levels peak weeks after pollen season [ 28 , 41 ].
In over 1, people, those without allergies had the lowest average values Hidden allergies are not accompanied by the typical symptoms. Apparently, even slightly elevated IgE might point to them. A study on children confirmed the connection between asthma and total IgE levels. It was a useful marker of lung sensitivity even in symptom-free children [ 42 ].
Exposure to food allergens induces only a short-term increase in total IgE. As mentioned, the primary role of IgE is to detect and help eliminate worms and other parasites from our bodies. In the absence of allergic tendencies and symptoms, parasitic infection is the most probable cause of high IgE [ 45 , 46 ].
Additional tests from a feces sample or blood smear may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis [ 47 , 48 ]. Thus, Th2-dominant people are more likely to have higher levels of these antibodies [ 50 , 30 ]. People with African ancestry and those living in tropical areas naturally have higher IgE [ 51 , 3 ]. People suffering from them experience frequent skin and respiratory infections due to impaired immunity [ 52 ]. A rare type of cancer called IgE multiple myeloma attacks plasma cells and causes increased production of these antibodies [ 54 , 55 ].
A benign cause, such as allergen exposure is much more probable. According to a study on Korean asthmatics, variants SNPs in the following genes might be associated with increased total IgE levels [ 56 ]:. There are no symptoms associated with high IgE levels per se. Instead, people with high IgE may only show symptoms of conditions discussed above.
Your doctor will discuss your results with you. They may run additional tests to pinpoint the underlying cause of your high levels. In most cases, the levels increase as a consequence of an allergic response with the symptoms such as [ 28 , 37 , 67 ]:. If a parasitic infection spiked your IgE, it could manifest as [ 68 , 69 ]:. It correlated with increased blood glucose and insulin resistance , regardless of other risk factors [ 72 , 73 ]. However, type 2 diabetic patients had lower IgE levels compared with controls Further clinical trials should examine the connection between IgE and diabetes.
One thing is for sure: allergic diseases can raise the risk of diabetes both types and vice versa, which might explain the connection between total IgE and diabetes in some patients [ 75 , 76 , 77 ]. Higher amounts can be a sign that the body overreacts to allergens, which can lead to an allergic reaction. IgE levels can also be high when the body is fighting an infection from a parasite and from some immune system conditions.
Doctors may order an IgE test if a child has signs of a possible allergy , immune system problem, or infection with a parasite. Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD. An elevated concentration of total immunoglobulin E IgE is not diagnostic for allergic disease and must be interpreted in the clinical context of the patient including age, gender, travel history, potential allergen exposure, and family history. A normal concentration of total IgE does not eliminate the possibility of allergic disease.
In patients with a high index of suspicion for allergic disease, testing for allergen-specific IgE may be warranted. The probability of finding an increased level of total IgE in serum in a patient with allergic disease varies directly with the number of different allergens to which the patient is sensitized. Normal levels of total IgE in serum occur in some patients with allergic disease, especially if there is sensitivity to a limited number of allergens and limited end organ involvement.
Homburger HA: Allergic diseases. WB Saunders Company. J Allergy Clin Immunol. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. World Allergy Organ J.
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