Allergy Providers | Alverno Laboratories

As we run headfirst into viral season, now is the time to catch your breath and prepare for patients with respiratory issues. Cold and flu season is here and people are spending more time indoors (hello indoor allergens) thanks to the colder temperatures.

Airway inflammation in upper and lower airways can be a symptom of viral infection, as well as allergies.^1-3 Distinguishing between these based on symptoms alone is nearly impossible.

So, how can you help patients understand what's making them miserable and reduce their symptoms? Allergy blood testing can help to rule in our rule out allergic sensitization and is key in determining what may be causing symptoms.

Refresh your knowledge on the diagnostic tools we have available to incorporate in your patient workup that can give your patients the answers they need to put their minds at ease.

When all your patients want to do is enjoy their peppermint latte, but they can't taste it or smell it thanks to a stuffy nose, you know the holiday season (and all the allergens that come with it) is truly in the air.

There are plenty of culprits that can cause symptom overlap - cold, flu, asthma, mold - and make it difficult to determine the likely cause of symptoms.

You can help rule in or rule out allergy as a cause of symptoms with specific IgE testing.¹ And if allergies are ruled in, you can help patients understand their allergic triggers so they can control the controllable factors.

Help equip your patients now to handle winter allergies and viral season.

When cooler temperatures have people spending less time outside, indoor allergens can start to wreak havoc on those who are sensitized. Plus, there are still outdoor allergens to deal with, and we're heading straight for viral season. Those with asthma should be on alert.

Up to 90% of pediatric patients and 60% of adult patients with asthma have allergies.^1,2 And studies show when patients with asthma are sensitized and exposed to an allergic trigger and contract a viral infection, their risk for hospital admissions increases 20-fold.³

But patients can better control their exposure to allergens when they know what their triggers are. That's where specific IgE testing comes in, along with a physical exam and patient history.⁴

With the knowledge that comes from results of the allergy blood test, you can help your patients create an exposure reduction plan and an asthma action plan to help them safely navigate the fall season.

References:

Donner CF. Inflammation and Infection in the Upper and Lower Respiratory Tract: United Airways Disease? RT Magazine. August 2010.
Eggleston PA. Upper Airway Inflammatory Diseases and Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1988;81:1036-41.
Varrichio A, La Mantia I, et al. Inflammation, Infection, and Allergy of Upper Airways: New Insights from National and Real-World Studies. Italian Journal of Pediatrics. (2020) 46:18.
Welsh N, et al. The Benefits of Specific Immunoglobulin E Testing in the Primary Care Setting. J Am Pharm Assoc. 2006;46:627.
Allen-Ramney F, Schoenwetter W, Weiss T, et al. Sensitization to Common Allergens in Adults with Asthma. JABFP. 2005;(18)5 434-439
Host A, Halken S. Practical aspects of allergy-testing. Paediatr Respir Rev. 2003; (4) 312-318
Murray CS, Poletti G, Kebadze T, Morris J, Woodcock A, Johnston SL, Custovic A. Study of modifiable risk factors for asthma exacerbations: virus infection and allergen exposure increase the risk of asthma hospital admissions in children. Thorax. 2006 May;61(5):376-82.
Welsh N, et al. The Benefits of Specific Immunoglobulin E Testing in the Primary Care Setting. J Am Pharm Assoc. 2006;46:627.