IgE antibodies can be detected very early in the blood, even before symptoms become evident. IgE sensitization can thus be regarded as a ‘risk marker’ for developing symptoms. This does not automatically mean, however, that the patient must suffer clinically. Nevertheless, an IgE-mediated allergic disease does require prior sensitization to the specific substance in question.
When will symptoms appear?
Exactly when the symptoms against an allergy-causing substance will develop varies between individuals. The time-point depends on a number of factors, including:
- The degree of exposure
- The levels of IgE antibodies
- The individual’s clinical reactivity
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