Question 1

What is Allergic Asthma?

Accepted Answer

Allergic asthma is a chronic respiratory condition where airways become inflamed and narrowed in response to specific allergens, causing wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. It is caused by elevated immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies that trigger allergic reactions to substances like dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mold spores. The IgE blood test is the most important test for diagnosing allergic asthma because it measures total IgE levels that indicate allergic responses.

Question 2

What causes allergic asthma?

Accepted Answer

Allergic asthma is caused by an overreaction of the immune system to specific allergens, triggering the release of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. Common triggers include dust mites (Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), pet dander from cats and dogs, cockroach droppings, mold spores like Alternaria alternata, tree pollens (maple, elm, walnut), grass pollens (Timothy grass), and weed pollens (Scotch Broom). When you breathe in these allergens, IgE antibodies attach to immune cells and cause them to release histamine and other chemicals that inflame and narrow your airways, leading to asthma symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

Question 3

What is the best test for allergic asthma?

Accepted Answer

The IgE blood test is the most important test for allergic asthma because it measures total immunoglobulin E levels in your blood, the antibody directly responsible for allergic reactions that trigger airway inflammation. To identify your specific triggers, comprehensive regional allergy panels are essential, such as the Respiratory Allergy Panel Region III for Georgia, northern Florida, and South Carolina, or the Respiratory Allergy Profile Region I for the northeastern United States. These panels test for common allergens like cat dander, dust mites (Dermatophagoides farinae and pteronyssinus), mold spores, and regional pollens. For people with specific exposures, targeted tests like the Chicken Droppings IgE test or Allergen Specific IgE Scotch Broom can pinpoint exact triggers, allowing you and your doctor to develop personalized avoidance strategies and treatment plans.

Question 4

When should I get tested for allergic asthma?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath that worsens around pets, during certain seasons, or in dusty environments. Testing is especially important if you notice your breathing problems get worse at night or early morning, if you have a family history of allergies or asthma, or if your symptoms interfere with daily activities like exercise or sleep. If you work in environments with regular exposure to animals, poultry, or outdoor allergens and develop respiratory symptoms, allergy testing can identify workplace triggers. Early testing helps prevent asthma attacks and long-term lung damage by identifying specific allergens you can avoid.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of allergic asthma?

Accepted Answer

The primary symptoms of allergic asthma include wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing), persistent coughing (especially at night or early morning), chest tightness or pressure, and shortness of breath. You might notice these symptoms worsen after exposure to specific triggers like pet dander, dust, pollen, or mold. Other signs include rapid breathing, difficulty speaking in full sentences during an attack, fatigue from poor sleep due to nighttime symptoms, and increased mucus production. Symptoms can range from mild and occasional to severe and constant, and they typically improve when you avoid your specific allergen triggers or use prescribed medications.

Question 6

Who is at risk for allergic asthma?

Accepted Answer

People with a family history of asthma or allergies (like hay fever or eczema) are at higher risk for developing allergic asthma. Children are more likely to develop the condition, though it can start at any age. You face increased risk if you already have other allergic conditions, are exposed to secondhand smoke (especially during childhood), live in urban areas with higher pollution levels, or work in environments with regular allergen exposure like farms, veterinary clinics, or laboratories. Obesity and respiratory infections during childhood also increase susceptibility. People living in humid climates or older homes may have greater exposure to dust mites and mold, common asthma triggers.

Question 7

What happens if allergic asthma is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated allergic asthma can lead to permanent airway remodeling, where chronic inflammation causes structural changes that make breathing difficult even between asthma attacks. You risk experiencing more frequent and severe asthma attacks that may require emergency care or hospitalization. Over time, untreated asthma can cause irreversible lung damage, reduced lung function, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Daily life becomes increasingly limited as activities like exercise, climbing stairs, or even walking become difficult. Sleep quality deteriorates due to nighttime symptoms, leading to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and reduced quality of life. Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening if airways become severely constricted.

Question 8

Can allergic asthma be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests cannot diagnose asthma itself, but they play a crucial role in identifying allergic asthma by measuring IgE antibodies and pinpointing specific allergen triggers. Your doctor diagnoses asthma through clinical evaluation, symptom history, and lung function tests like spirometry. Blood tests then confirm whether allergies are triggering your asthma and identify exactly which allergens cause your symptoms. The IgE blood test measures total allergic antibody levels, while specific allergy panels test your reaction to dozens of allergens including dust mites, pet dander, mold, and various pollens. This information helps your healthcare provider develop a targeted treatment plan and recommend which allergens you should avoid to control your symptoms.

Question 9

How is allergic asthma treated?

Accepted Answer

Allergic asthma is treated with a combination of allergen avoidance, medications, and lifestyle modifications. Quick-relief inhalers (bronchodilators like albuterol) open airways during asthma attacks, while long-term control medications like inhaled corticosteroids reduce airway inflammation. Leukotriene modifiers and long-acting beta-agonists provide additional control for moderate to severe asthma. For people with significant allergies, antihistamines and allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots) can reduce allergic reactions over time. Biologic medications that target IgE antibodies may be prescribed for severe allergic asthma. Your treatment plan should be personalized based on your specific allergen triggers identified through blood testing, allowing you to focus on avoiding your particular triggers while managing symptoms with appropriate medications.

Question 10

How can I prevent allergic asthma?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot always prevent allergic asthma from developing, you can prevent attacks by identifying and avoiding your specific triggers through allergy testing. Use allergen-proof covers on mattresses and pillows to reduce dust mite exposure, wash bedding weekly in hot water, and maintain indoor humidity below 50 percent to discourage dust mites and mold growth. Keep pets out of bedrooms if you are allergic to dander, use HEPA air filters, and vacuum regularly with a HEPA-equipped vacuum. During high pollen seasons, keep windows closed and shower after being outdoors. Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke, strong odors, and air pollution. Regular use of prescribed controller medications helps prevent symptoms even when you encounter triggers.

Question 11

What can I do at home for allergic asthma?

Accepted Answer

At home, focus on creating an allergen-free environment by removing carpet (especially in bedrooms), using hardwood or tile flooring, and washing curtains and soft furnishings frequently. Remove clutter that collects dust, fix water leaks promptly to prevent mold growth, and use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens. Keep indoor plants to a minimum as soil can harbor mold. If you are allergic to pets, bathe them weekly and designate pet-free zones in your home. During asthma symptoms, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed, sit upright to ease breathing, practice slow and steady breathing techniques, and drink warm liquids to help relax airways. Monitor your peak flow readings if recommended by your doctor, and have an asthma action plan readily available to guide you during symptom flare-ups.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Allergic Asthma Blood Test

What is Allergic Asthma?

What causes allergic asthma?

What is the best test for allergic asthma?

When should I get tested for allergic asthma?

References

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