Understanding Lab Tests for Allergic Asthma
Written by Private MD Labs Medical Writing Team • Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Allergic asthma is a chronic respiratory condition where the airways become inflamed and narrowed in response to specific allergens, leading to symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. While asthma is diagnosed through clinical evaluation and lung function tests, blood testing plays a crucial role in identifying specific triggers and measuring the body's allergic response.
Top Recommended Test
IgE
This test measures total immunoglobulin E levels in your blood. IgE is the antibody involved in allergic reactions, and elevated levels often indicate an allergic response that can trigger asthma symptoms by causing airways to narrow and become inflamed.
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The Role of Blood Testing in Allergic Asthma
Blood tests cannot diagnose asthma itself, but they are fundamental for determining which allergens trigger your symptoms and assessing the severity of your allergic response. This information helps healthcare providers develop personalized treatment plans and avoidance strategies to better manage your condition.
Other Relevant Tests
Respiratory Allergy Panel Region III: GA, northern FL, SC
This comprehensive panel tests for common regional allergens including cat dander and dust mites. Identifying specific triggers like these helps determine what environmental factors may be causing your allergic asthma symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
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Respiratory Allergy Panel Region IV: FL, south of Orlando
This regional panel identifies allergens specific to your geographic area, including dust mites like Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and tree pollens such as Maple. These common triggers can cause asthma symptoms including wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing in susceptible individuals.
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Chicken Droppings (e218) IgE
This specific IgE test detects allergic reactions to chicken droppings, which is particularly important for people regularly exposed to poultry environments. Positive results indicate this exposure could be triggering your asthma symptoms.
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Respiratory Allergy Profile Region I: CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT
This comprehensive northeastern panel tests for multiple common allergens including cat dander, dust mites (Dermatophagoides farinae), and measures overall IgE levels. This broad screening helps identify the specific triggers causing your allergic asthma in this geographic region.
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Cat Epithelium/Dander (e1) IgG
This test measures IgG antibodies to cat dander, which can indicate chronic exposure and potential allergic reactions. High levels suggest that cat allergens may be contributing to the inflammation and airway narrowing characteristic of allergic asthma.
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Allergen Specific IgE Scotch Broom *
This specific test identifies allergic reactions to Scotch Broom pollen. Elevated levels indicate that exposure to this plant allergen could be triggering your asthma symptoms including wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing.
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Understanding Your Results
These blood tests help create a comprehensive picture of your allergic triggers. By identifying specific allergens that elevate your IgE levels, you and your healthcare provider can develop targeted strategies for allergen avoidance and appropriate treatment options to better control your allergic asthma.
Important Considerations
The information here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis, interpretation of test results, and personalized treatment plans for managing allergic asthma.
