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Andrea & Sylvia

Andrea and Sylvia both started experiencing severe eczema when they were 6 months old. They both had hives, wheezing, stomach aches and diarrhea, too. When they were a year old, they underwent specific lgE (sIgE) blood testing. The test results, combined with their medical histories, allowed their healthcare professional to diagnose them both with an egg allergy and their parents were advised to eliminate egg from their diets. Now, 2 years have passed and it’s time for Andrea and Sylvia to be re-tested.

Andrea and Sylvia’s Results

The results of an ImmunoCAPTM Allergen Component test indicate that Sylvia still has a risk for reaction to all forms of egg and should remain on an egg-free diet. But Andrea’s test tells a different story. Her results indicate that she could likely tolerate baked egg. So, Andrea’s healthcare professional recommended that she undergo an oral food challenge (OFC) in his office with baked egg. Andrea passed the challenge and can now eat products containing baked egg, like cakes, muffins and cookies. She stills needs to avoid raw egg products, like mayonnaise, until her healthcare professional has confirmed her egg allergy is fully gone, based on further testing.

Am I Allergic?

Why it’s important to know

Many people are so used to living with their allergies that they never think that they should have their healthcare professional reassess their initial diagnosis. Just because you know what you were allergic to a year ago doesn’t mean you know everything you’re allergic to today. Since your reactions can change over time—especially to foods like egg—retesting can play an important role in your quality of life or the life of someone you love,1 by reducing unnecessary food avoidance and the fear of an adverse reaction. Be sure to consult with your healthcare professional.

Learn more about testing

The people, places and events depicted in these photographs do not represent actual patients, nor are they affiliated in any way with the attached case study or Thermo Fisher Scientific.

References

1.    American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. http://acaai.org/resources/connect/ask-allergist/Allergy-Testing. Accessed October 2017.