What does my IgE level mean?

I posted this in the Food Allergy section, but thought that I might hear some other options here as well.

I have been dealing with an allergic reaction for the past five months. It began in August as a swelling feeling under the tongue but nothing ever looked swollen. It progressed to its worst in late November when it presented as extreme pain and a feeling of swelling under the tongue, in the jaw, and in the nasopharynx. Swelling has been present in the nasopharynx and caused me to be unable to breathe, hence I now carry an epi-pen. As suddenly as it appeared, it disappeared and is back to being a slight swelling feeling under the tongue, yet no actual sign of swelling, and this has been confirmed by both a dentist and ENT. Followups with the ENT have shown bloodwork high in IgE and eosinophils. After being placed on allergy medicine (Zyrtec), bloodwork was repeated a few months later and IgE is 7% (?) and eosinophils are still high. What does an IgE of 7% mean? What is the normal range? I never get to speak with my doctor without an appointment, I just get the results of the tests. I have a followup appointment with my ENT in four months and a consult with general medicine in two weeks. My TSH/T3/T4 levels are normal, C1 and C4 inhibitor normal, glucose normal and everything else normal. Is this a simple allergy? I'm tired of dealing with this and have never had problems like this before.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!

Normal IgE levels are usually 0.05% of the IgG concentration. 7% is high level. “Atopic individuals can have up to 10 times the normal level of IgE in their blood (as do sufferers of hyper-IgE syndrome). However, this may not be a requirement for symptoms to occur as has been seen in asthmatics with normal IgE levels in their blood - recent research has shown that IgE production can occur locally in the nasal mucosa, without the involvement of lymphoid tissue.” Refer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immunoglobulin_E

What is important is you must find out what is causing this allergy. Common allergens are pollen, mold, dust, pet dander, cosmetics or drugs. You must get an allergy test done, either a skin ***** or RAST, to know what you are allergic to. Seasonal allergies are generally due to pollen or dust. It could be food allergy or allergy to any food ingredient.

It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[KiuneCailin]

Thank you for your reply! I had my IgE levels tested again last week and my levels went from 265 to 230? They are constantly changing the number (i.e. before it was 7%, now its 230) so it is hard for me keep track of everything, but I know that is is still very high. I have an appointment this week for allergy testing so hopefully they can shed some light on what is going on!

[KiuneCailin]

I have one other question. What would be the chances of this being caused by something other than allergy? I have heard that IgE can become increased with parasitic infections. What kind of tests could be done to determine this?

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for keeping me posted!
Yes, you are right! IgE levels can rise up in parasitic infections. A simple stool test can detect the parasites, their eggs, cysts and ova.  

Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[murad50507]

i have carried out a test by the advice of my doctor and found my IgE >2000 IU/ml whereas it should be upto 120IU/ml.my allergy symptoms are very noticable in face,chest and belly region.what should i do?

[Xolairpatient]

I have been to several Allergy specialists in Los Angeles and Kansas and almost died twice due to swelling of my throat.  There is a new test out to determine the free IgE Index. The lab is Viracor-IBT 1001 NW Technology Drive, Lee's Summit, MO 64086 1(800) 305-5198. Your MD can RX Xolair shots to bind your IgE.  This in the only Lab in the US that does IgE free test.  I am currently being treated at UCLA medical Center by Dr. Marc Riedl. He knows more than any MD I have seen yet.  Hope this helps.