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What the profile will tell you
The ImmunoCAP Allergy March profile has been developed to answer
three questions:
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Are the patient’s symptoms caused by atopy or not?
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What allergens are responsible?
-
Where is the patient on the food/inhalant sensitization continuum
(the Allergy March)?
This profile consists of 11 carefully selected food and inhalant
allergens. More than 90% of childhood food sensitivities result
from 6 allergens1 so
the ImmunoCAP Allergy March profile covers these (and includes
fish). In addition, the profile contains the following
inhalant allergens: dog and cat dander, cockroach, mold, and
house dust mite. These key allergens were selected to aid in
detecting sensitivities most often proven to cause
acute allergic disease in children, and to drive the progression
of disease severity involved in the Allergy March.2
Treatment considerations
Whether the symptoms are eczema, GI distress, recurrent otitis
media, rhinitis, or asthma, there is a chance the patient suffers
from underlying allergic disease. 2,3 If
the ImmunoCAP results are negative, the symptoms most likely
don’t have
an underlying atopic basis, and should be managed with symptomatic
treatment. If the ImmunoCAP results are positive, other
treatment alternatives become possible.
Atopic Dermatitis
While avoidance of food allergens has risk relative to nutrition,
high IgE levels (for example, above 5 kUA/L) suggest
exploring elimination diets, but care should be exercised to
maintain adequate nutritional levels; specialist referral is
recommended.4
In the case of atopic dermatitis (eczema, with a proven underlying
atopic etiology), topical steroid treatment can provide relief
and antihistamines will target the underlying allergic inflammation
and itching.4 Nonsedating
antihistamines (eg, Zyrtec®,
Claritin®) may be used, and because pruritus
often occurs at night, sedating antihistamines (hydroxyzine,
diphenhydramine) are suggested for use at bedtime.5
GI Distress
The literature reports five major GI symptoms with a possible
allergic basis6:
- colic
- constipation
- vomiting
- reflux
- diarrhea
While these are not uncommon childhood conditions, understanding
whether or not these conditions have an underlying atopic etiology,
and understanding whether the patient may be “on” the
Allergy March are important. Avoidance of offending foods
(elimination diet) may be trialed, but care should be exercised
to maintain adequate nutritional levels; specialist referral
is recommended.4
Recurrent Otitis Media
Acute otitis media (AOM) is generally the result of bacterial
infection, so treatment with antibiotics may be warranted.7 However,
recurrent bouts of AOM may suggest eustachian tube dysfunction,
compounded by an underlying allergic condition (especially
allergic rhinitis [AR]). Experts therefore recommend allergy
testing to confirm atopy and treatment of comorbid AR
to aid control of otitis media.4,7
Allergic Rhinitis
Click here to learn how you can use ImmunoCAP test results to
guide management of AR and other upper respiratory diseases.
Asthma
Click here to learn how you can use ImmunoCAP test results to
guide management of allergic and non-allergic asthma.
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