Allergy, Potato
Allergy, Potato
Potato allergy test detects the presence of IgE antibodies in your blood. The presence of higher levels of IgE antibodies is an indication of allergy. Potato allergy is a type of food allergy that can result in serious allergic reactions in some people. Potato can cause an allergic reaction after ingestion or only from contact. Allergic reactions to potato can also happen through non-sexual contact such as after kissing someone who had just eaten potato. Therefore, undergoing a potato allergy test will confirm a potato allergy diagnosis and help in the prevention of suffering from severe allergy-related complications
Symptoms of potato allergy
Symptoms of potato allergy usually occur within 4-6 hours of eating potato and may last for several weeks. The symptoms range from mild to severe forms and commonly include:
Hives
Wheezing
Coughing
Itchy, watery eyes
Stuffy or runny nose
Headache
Stomach pain
Chest tightness
Dizziness
Nausea
Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
Who should get tested?
Potato allergy testing is recommended for individuals who are having the symptoms of an allergic reaction when the following food items are consumed:
Potato chips
French fries
Tomato
Eggplant
Tomatillos
Peppers
Goji berries
Paprika
Test preparation
No special preparation or fasting is required for a potato allergy test.
Interpretation of the Test Results
The relative amount of IgE antibodies to specific potato components can help identify the strength and type of allergenic response.
|
Class |
IgE kU/L |
Interpretation |
|
0 |
<0.35 |
Negative |
|
1 |
0.35-0.69 |
Equivocal |
|
2 |
0.70-3.49 |
Positive |
|
3 |
3.50-17.4 |
Positive |
|
4 |
17.5-49.9 |
Strongly positive |
|
5 |
50.0-99.9 |
Strongly positive |
|
6 |
> or =100 |
Strongly positive |
Deviation from normal levels indicate the following:
· The likelihood of developing an allergic disease is increased by the presence of IgE antibodies in serum (Class 1 or greater).
· Higher total IgE level is typically a sign that you have one or more allergies such as potato allergy.
· Increased IgE levels are seen in parasitic infections, primary immunodeficiency, inflammatory diseases, and malignancies.
FAQs
What are the risks associated with the potato allergy test?
There are no known risks associated with this test. During a blood test, one may experience minor pain or bruising where the needle was inserted, but most symptoms will subside quickly
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the IgE-based potato allergy blood test?
Test results of an IgE-based blood test are usually available after 2-3 working days. Test results might be mailed or made available online through health portals. Your doctor might also contact you by phone or email to review your test findings or arrange a follow-up appointment
How does potato allergy occur?
Patatin, a glycoprotein and solanine an alkaloid are the main allergens present in potatoes. An allergic person's immune system reacts when they consume potato or come into contact with it directly through the skin. The immune system creates IgE antibodies to fight against these allergens because it perceives certain proteins or chemicals as harmful. Unfortunately, these antibodies lead to the release of the chemical histamine, that results in the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
What precautions should I take if I have a potato allergy?
It is important to stay away from all types of potatoes and potato products in order to avoid an allergic reaction. Before consuming anything you haven't cooked yourself, always read the ingredients on the food label and ask questions about the components. Restaurants serving potatoes should be avoided because of the likelihood of food contamination. Going to potato markets and touching potatoes are likewise bad ideas Also, avoid the following ingredients and foods in your day-to-day life:
· Potato flavourings
Potato sticks
Can I eat sweet potatoes if I have a potato allergy?
Yes, you can eat sweet potatoes if you have a potato allergy. Though both root vegetables contain the word potato, they do not belong to the same family. Sweet potatoes belong to a different family called “morning glory”. So, the allergen, Patatin that is responsible for potato allergy is not found in sweet potatoes
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