Overview

Why suffers from Allergies？

When a patient with an allergy has contact with a specific allergen (typically harmless substances), IgE is excessively produced. This results in the release of chemicals (e.g. histamine) into the bloodstream which then induces detrimental immune responses in the form of an allergic reaction. The allergic reaction can be mild to life threatening3 and varies within patients. The severity is mainly determined by the person and his/her response. A severe allergic reaction can develop within seconds after exposure to an allergen and may result in life-threatening consequences such as anaphylaxis or even death.

>30% of the world’s population suffers from Allergies

Allergies (also known as Allergic diseases) constitute a significant percentage of morbidity worldwide. with the prevalence still on the rise. According to the World Allergy Organization, over 30% of the world’s population are affected by allergies¹. In Hong Kong, 1 in every 5 people suffers from eczema caused by an allergic reaction²

IgE (Immunoglobulin E) & Allergy

IgE is a type of antibody produced by our immune system. When a patient with an allergy comes into contact with a specific allergen (typically harmless substances), IgE is excessively produced. This results in the release of chemicals (e.g. histamine) into the bloodstream which then induces detrimental immune responses in the form of an allergic reaction.The allergic reaction can be mild to life threatening³ and varies between patients. The severity is mainly determined by the person and his/her response. A severe allergic reaction can develop within seconds after exposure to an allergen and may result in life-threatening consequences such as anaphylaxis or even death.

Why do allergy test - IgE Test？

Food allergies, eczema, nasal allergies, asthma, urticaria, skin allergies, rheumatism and contact dermatitis are all symptoms caused by allergens. Allergens can be found through the Ige test.

＃The Hong Kong Allergy Association indicates IgG blood testing lacks both sound scientific rationale and evidence of effectiveness. Measurement of food-specific IgG concentrations to diagnose food allergies and intolerance is not recommended.⁴.

1. Sánchez-Borges M, Martin BL, Muraro AM, et al. The importance of allergic disease in public health: an iCAALL statement. World Allergy Organ J 2018; 11(1): 8. https://waojournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40413-018-0187-2#citeas
2. The Hong Kong Allergy Association 2014. Eczema. Retrieved 10 June 2020,  .
3. Gould HJ, Sutton BJ. IgE in allergy and asthma today. Nature Reviews Immunology 2008; 8: 205–217
4. Lee TH, Wu YY, Chan KC et al. Immunoglobulin G testing in the diagnosis of food allergy and intolerance. Hong Kong Medical Journal 2017, 23: 419-420.
5. Eigenmann PA, Markovic MA, Hourihane JOB. Testing Children for Allergies: Why, How, Who and When: An Updated Statement of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) Section on Pediatrics and the EAACI-Clemens Von Pirquet Foundation. Pediatric Allergy and Immunol 2013; 24(2): 195-209. https://allergiecentrumhasselt.be/ onewebmedia/Testing%20children%20for%20allergies%20-%20EAACI.pdf
6. Lau YL et al. 2009, 'Health Information', Metro Daily, 30 July, p. 31.