Definition - What does Imunoglobulin E mean?
Immunoglobulin E (IGE) is an antibody produced by the immune system in response to a specific allergen that has invaded the body. Immunoglobulin E is a protein that binds with white blood cells to attack the antigen, or foreign substance, following an allergic reaction. IGE is a class of five different types of immunoglobulin antibodies formed in the blood that destroy microbes from bacteria, fungi, parasites, spores, and viruses.
SureHire explains Imunoglobulin E
Immunoglobulin E (IGE) comprises of a relatively small amount of the composition of blood. Many people have a different threshold to particular allergens and, depending on sensitivity levels and length of exposure, some allergies can cause either temporary or ongoing symptoms. IGE antibodies are located primarily in the lungs, skin, and mucus lining tissue that release histamine and other chemicals to eradicate foreign cells.
In the workplace, employees are sometimes exposed to environmental allergens due to frequent handling, use, and disposal of different chemicals, liquids, and substances. Occupational asthma is a common phenomenon that affects people in specific trade fields including healthcare and industrial settings. For instance, medical staff may develop an allergy to latex gloves caused by inhaling its powdery residue after each use. People with allergies can experience a broad range of symptoms. These can include chest tightness, inflammation of skin, itching and/or burning eyes, running nose, nasal congestion, diarrhea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
IGE testing can help target obscure allergens compromising systemic function. Increased IGE blood levels is a telltale factor that the body has developed immunity against a particular antigen. For better results, a physician administers a panel of IGE substance-specific allergens to cover the spectrum of suspected allergens present in the body. This is a more effective method of observing hypersensitive reactions from different substances, unlike a single allergen test that exclusively detects the allergen in question.
