IgE
Simply put, Immunoglobulin E, or IgE, are antibodies that are produced within the immune system. To take it a step further, those who suffer from allergies are often subjected to a systemic overreaction of the immune system. The antibodies that are produced during this reaction, are IgE's. Known for causing a reaction in places such as the lungs, nose, throat, and/or on the skin, or even triggering asthma attack like events, IgE's the antibodies that are released during the overreaction travel to chemical-releasing cells, which causes the allergic reaction.
Immediate Hypersensitivities
Additionally, each individual IgE has a radar of sorts, that alerts them to the fact that a particular allergen has been introduced into the bloodstream. Therefore, this is the reason why some people are only allergic to one allergen (i.e. pollen), while others may be allergic to an entire class of foods (i.e. citrus fruits). Some of the most common IgE causing foods are as follows:
- Dust
- Pollen
- Mold
- Various Food
- Insect stings
- Animal dander
- Various Medications/Drugs
- Latex
Testing for IgE mediated food allergies
The best method of getting diagnosed with allergies that are triggered by IgE's is to visit an allergist or immunologist for skin prick testing and/or laboratory evaluation.
EGIDs
Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders or EGIDs are conditions that occur when there are excessive levels of eosinophils (which are the white blood cells involved in allergic reactions) in one or more parts of the patient's digestive tract.
EGID Symptoms
Triggered by a variety of foods, the symptoms of EGIDs are as follows:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nausea/ Vomiting
- Regurgitation
- Abdominal Pain
- Lack of Age-Appropriate Weight Gain
- Feeding aversions
Diagnosing EGIDs
Given the extensive nature of EGIDs, a biopsy can be used to accurately diagnoses these disorders. Once a diagnosis is made, experts usually suggest that the patient is checked for both food and environmental triggers in order to better manage the disorder moving forward.
Managing EGIDs
Current management strategies for EGIDs are dietary elimination or medication therapy. Speak with one of our board certified allergist to discuss the best options for you or your child.
FPIES
FPIES stands for Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome. FPIES is a severe allergic reaction that causes profuse vomiting 1-4 hours after ingestions and may lead to dehydration, pallor, lethargy and shock. Usually FPIES is seen in infants and young children, but adults may have FPIES too..
FPIES Triggers
FPIES reactions can be caused by any food, but the most commons FPIES foods are milk, soy and grains.
Diagnosing FPIES
FPIES is diagnosed through a detailed clinical history and there are currently no testing methods available.
FPIES Management
Food avoidance is the standard for management, however, working with a board certified allergist, appropriate timing of oral food challenges and emergency action plans are also important components to FPIES management.
