The Allergic Rhinitis/Asthma Profile Blood Test is a diagnostic tool used to identify common allergens that may trigger symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma. These conditions are often caused by allergens in the environment, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or animal dander. This blood test measures IgE antibodies against specific allergens to determine what may be contributing to the individual’s respiratory symptoms.

Purpose of the Allergic Rhinitis/Asthma Profile Blood Test

• To detect IgE-mediated allergic responses that can trigger symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma.
• To identify the specific allergens responsible for respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
• To guide treatment plans, including allergen avoidance, medication, and possible immunotherapy.

Allergens Tested in the Rhinitis/Asthma Profile

• Cat Dander
• Dog Dander
• Common Silver Birch
• Timothy Grass
• Dust Mite – Dermatophagoides
• Alternaria Alternata
• Aspergillus Fumigatus
• Cladosporium Herbarum
• Mugwort
• London Plane
• Peanut
• Egg White
• Cow’s Milk

How the Test Works

The Allergic Rhinitis/Asthma Profile Blood Test measures the levels of IgE antibodies specific to the allergens mentioned above. When a person is exposed to an allergen, their immune system may produce IgE antibodies, which can cause allergic symptoms. This test helps identify which specific allergens are causing the immune system to react.

Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma

Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms:

• Nasal Congestion: Blocked or stuffy nose.
• Runny Nose: Clear nasal discharge.
• Sneezing: Frequent bouts of sneezing.
• Itchy Eyes, Nose, or Throat: Irritation in the nasal passages and eyes.
• Post-Nasal Drip: Mucus dripping down the back of the throat, causing a sore throat or cough.

Asthma Symptoms:

• Wheezing: High-pitched whistling sounds during breathing, especially when exhaling.
• Coughing: Persistent cough, particularly at night or after exercise.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless.
• Chest Tightness: A feeling of constriction or pressure in the chest.
• Asthma Exacerbations: Worsening of symptoms due to exposure to allergens or other triggers.

Conditions Associated with Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma

1. Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever):
   • Triggered by outdoor allergens like pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds.
   • Symptoms are typically worse during specific seasons, depending on the pollen type.
2. Perennial Allergic Rhinitis:
   • Caused by indoor allergens like dust mites, mold, or pet dander.
   • Symptoms are present year-round.
3. Allergic Asthma:
   • Asthma that is triggered or worsened by exposure to allergens like pollen, dust mites, mold, or animal dander.
   • May occur along with allergic rhinitis, a condition known as allergic march, where allergic rhinitis leads to the development of asthma over time.

Types of Blood Tests in the Rhinitis/Asthma Profile

1. Specific IgE Testing:
   • Measures the amount of IgE antibodies in the blood against individual allergens (e.g., pollen, dust mites, molds, animal dander).
   • A positive result indicates that the immune system is sensitized to the allergen and may react when exposed.
2. Total IgE Testing:
   • Measures the overall amount of IgE in the blood. Elevated IgE levels suggest an allergic predisposition but do not specify which allergens are involved.
3. Component-Resolved Diagnostics (CRD):
   • This advanced testing method can identify specific proteins within allergens that trigger allergic reactions.
   • Useful for determining cross-reactivity between allergens (e.g., birch pollen and certain fruits in Oral Allergy Syndrome).

Interpreting Test Results

• Class 0: No detectable IgE to the allergen; unlikely to have an allergic response.
• Class 1-6: Increasing levels of specific IgE, with Class 6 representing the highest level of sensitization and a higher likelihood of allergic symptoms.
  • Low-level IgE results may suggest mild sensitivity, while high-level IgE results indicate a more significant allergic reaction.

Diagnosis and Management

1. Allergen Avoidance:
   • Once specific allergens are identified, steps can be taken to reduce exposure. For example:
     • Use air filters to minimize indoor allergens like dust mites or mold.
     • Limit outdoor activities during high pollen seasons.
     • Keep pets out of bedrooms and off furniture to reduce exposure to dander.
2. Medications:
   • Antihistamines: Help relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical released during allergic reactions.
   • Nasal Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, providing relief from nasal congestion and other rhinitis symptoms.
   • Leukotriene Modifiers: Medications like montelukast may help control both allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms.
   • Bronchodilators and Inhaled Corticosteroids: Common treatments for asthma to open the airways and reduce inflammation.
3. Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT):
   • This treatment involves gradually exposing the immune system to increasing amounts of an allergen over time to build tolerance. It is often used for long-term management of allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma.
   • Immunotherapy can be delivered through allergy shots (subcutaneous) or sublingual tablets for certain allergens like grass pollen.
4. Asthma Action Plan:
   • For children and adults with allergic asthma, a personalized asthma action plan helps manage symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. This plan may include medications, inhalers, and steps to take during an asthma flare-up.

When is the Allergic Rhinitis/Asthma Profile Blood Test Recommended?

• If an individual experiences symptoms of allergic rhinitis or asthma, such as sneezing, nasal congestion, wheezing, or coughing, particularly during certain seasons or after exposure to specific environments.
• If there is a family history of allergies or asthma, especially in children.
• To confirm specific allergies when symptoms are suspected to be triggered by environmental factors.

The Allergic Rhinitis/Asthma Profile Blood Test helps identify the underlying causes of allergic rhinitis and asthma, allowing for better management through allergen avoidance, medication, or immunotherapy. Working with an allergist can ensure accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan to improve quality of life.

Results – 2 days from Laboratory receiving sample