Allergy Customized Panel 1

Alternaria alternata is a primarily outdoor fungus that grows on vegetation. It can also be found indoors since it thrives in humid locations like bathrooms. This fungus is found mostly during summers. It produces large brown spores that are responsible for causing allergies and asthma. 

The Allergy Customized Panel 1 Test checks for the presence of Alternaria alternata fungus and is useful in determining whether you have an allergic reaction to the same.

Allergy Customized Panel 1 Test - Overview

The Allergy Customized Panel 1 Test can be used for everyone, irrespective of their age and gender. It checks if you are allergic to Alternaria alternata by using a series of effective blood tests. These blood tests involve drawing blood and testing for allergic reactions to the fungus externally.

Generally, an allergy to Alternaria alternata is caused due to the immune system’s response. This happens when the body views specific substances as toxic and produces IgE antibodies for these contaminants. 

The released antibodies result in the production of histamine by the cells. These histamines are the cause of the allergic reaction that happens in the body.

The method utilises serum testing for IgE antibodies, which provides an indication of the immune response elicited to specific allergens.

Allergy Customized Panel 1 Test is also useful in identifying the allergen responsible for the allergic reactions and the symptoms you may encounter. 

Why Should You Get Tested?

If left untreated, allergy to Alternaria alternata could contribute significantly to the development and worsening of allergic diseases like allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Some of the common symptoms associated with this allergy are:

• Coughing
• Itchy eyes
• Running nose
• Sneezing
• Skin rash

It is advisable to get the Allergy Customized Panel 1 Test done during summers since that is when this fungus’s pores are increasingly present in the air.
 

Medically reviewed by Dr.Saibal Moitra, Allergist and clinical immunologist from Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals , Kolkata.

Frequently asked questions

What happens due to an Alternaria alternata allergy?

Alternaria alternata is a fungus associated with symptoms like asthma and allergic rhinitis. The allergy occurs due to the spores of this fungus in the air, especially during specific seasons. In this allergy, the immune system mistakes the pores of the fungus for invaders and prepares antibodies to fight it. These antibodies release histamines into the blood, which are responsible for allergic symptoms.

Is there a lab test to detect an allergy to Alternaria alternata?

The allergy customized panel 1 test is used for detecting an allergy to Alternaria alternata in the human body. It is a standard blood test where the patient’s blood sample is tested against specific allergens to check for the presence of IgE antibodies. If these antibodies occur on reacting with a particular allergen (pollen of Alternaria alternata in this case), then the patient is likely to be suffering from an Alternaria alternata allergy.

What happens if Alternaria alternata allergies are left unchecked?

Severe allergic reactions like an Alternaria alternata allergy may lead to a condition called anaphylaxis. It is a life-threatening allergic reaction in which the body’s airways are constricted, and the blood pressure drops rapidly. In extreme cases, this may even result in the death of a patient if the allergy is left unchecked.

Why are IgE antibodies tested in an Alternaria alternata allergy?

The presence of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies may indicate the presence of a past allergy. It is vital in diagnosing an Alternaria alternata allergy and may help the doctor devise a treatment plan. On the other hand, IgM antibodies are used to detect a current or recent infection in a patient. A combination of both IgE and IgM antibodies may help detect the presence of related allergies in the body.