Asthma/ Rhinitis Comprehensive Panel

Asthma/ rhinitis panel is done to:

1. Identify specific allergens that may be triggering asthma and rhinitis symptoms. This can help guide treatment decisions and improve the effectiveness of treatment.

2. Monitor the effectiveness of allergy treatment over time. For example, if a patient is receiving immunotherapy for allergies, the test may be ordered at regular intervals to track the patient's response to treatment and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

3. Assist in diagnosing asthma and rhinitis, especially when symptoms are not clear-cut or not responding to treatment as expected.

4. Help determine if allergen-specific immunotherapy would be beneficial for a patient.

5. Assess the severity of asthma and rhinitis and track the progression of the disease over time.

Asthma allergy test measures the IgE-mediated response to 19 different types of inhalant allergens like house dust, pollen, animal dander and insects. These include Dermatophagoides Farinae, Cockroach German, Cat Dander, Dog Dander, Bermuda Grass (Durva/ Cynodon grass), Mesquite (Pahadi Keekar/ Prosopis Juliflora), Common Ragweed (Close To Parthenium/ Congress Grass/ Ambrosia Elatior), Aspergillus Fumigatus, Alternaria alternata, Elm, Johnson Grass (Jowar grass/ Sorghum Grass), Eucalyptus, Acasia, English Plantain, Goose Foot, Penicillium Notatum, Cladosporium herbarum, Horse Dander, and Cow Dander.

Total IgE levels are also measured.

Asthma allergy test requires a blood sample post exposure to the allergens. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. 

If results are positive, it may indicate that the patient has an allergy to one or more of the allergens tested for. The healthcare provider may recommend measures to reduce exposure to the allergen.

If test results are negative, it could indicate that the patient has no allergy to the allergens tested for or the IgE levels are not high enough to detect. The negative results do not rule out the possibility of an allergy to other allergens not included in the test. The healthcare provider may recommend other diagnostic tests to confirm the absence of an allergy or to identify other potential causes of the symptoms.

It may be ordered for individuals who have symptoms consistent with asthma and/ or rhinitis including:

• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Nasal congestion
• Sneezing
• Itchy eyes
• Runny nose
• Facial pressure or pain
• Postnasal drip

Patients who have received a diagnosis of asthma or rhinitis and are not responding to treatment as expected may also benefit from the test.

It can help identify specific allergens that may exacerbate their symptoms and guide treatment decisions.

Some people may have asthma or rhinitis without having obvious symptoms. Therefore, individuals with a personal or family history of allergies, asthma, or rhinitis may also benefit from the test, as they are more likely to be affected.

There are generally no specific preparations required. However, it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider before taking the test, as they may have specific instructions or recommendations based on your individual medical history and current health status.

This test has some limitations and cannot confirm a diagnosis of asthma or rhinitis, predict the severity of symptoms, or how a patient will respond to treatment. Additionally, it can't detect food allergies, skin allergies, or some other types of allergies.

While chronic rhinitis is usually not serious, it can impact your daily life. The easiest method to cure chronic rhinitis is to avoid its triggers. If this isn't possible, certain drugs, such as OTC and prescription nasal sprays and decongestants, may help with your symptoms.

• Asthma/ Rhinitis  Allergen-Specific IgE Blood Test
• Asthma/ Rhinitis ImmunoCAP Allergy Panel
• Allergic Rhinitis Panel
• Asthma/ Rhinitis Profile Test

The allergy panel measures the levels of IgE antibodies specific to each allergen. Elevated levels of IgE specific to a certain allergen can indicate an allergy to that allergen. The results of the test indicate the levels of IgE for each allergen that was tested.