Allergy, Rice
Allergy, Rice
Rice allergy test detects the presence of IgE antibodies in your blood. The presence of higher levels of IgE antibodies is an indication of allergy. Rice allergy is a type of food allergy that can result in serious allergic reactions in some people. Rice can cause an allergic reaction after ingestion or only from contact. Therefore, undergoing a rice allergy test will confirm a rice allergy diagnosis and help in the prevention of suffering from severe allergy-related complications
Symptoms of Rice allergy
Symptoms of rice allergy usually occur within 2 hours of eating rice and may last for several weeks. The symptoms range from mild to severe forms and commonly include
Diarrhea
Nausea
Hives
Wheezing
Coughing
Itchy, watery eyes
Stuffy or runny nose
Headache
Stomach pain
Chest tightness
Dizziness
Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
Who should get tested?
Rice allergy testing is recommended for individuals who are having the symptoms of an allergic reaction when the following food items are consumed
Cereals
Granola Bars
Rice Cakes
Cookies made with Rice Flour
Rice Pudding
Rice Milk
Baby Foods
Test preparation
No special preparation or fasting is required for a rice allergy test.
The relative amount of IgE antibodies to specific rice 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 rice allergy.
· Increased IgE levels are seen in parasitic infections, primary immunodeficiency, inflammatory diseases, and malignancies
FAQs
How is the rice allergy test performed?
During this blood test, a healthcare professional will take a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle, which is then collected in a test tube or vial. This procedure lasts for less than a few minutes
What are the risks associated with the rice 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 rice 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 can rice allergy occur?
9-, 14-, and 31-kDa protein bands are the main allergens present in rice. An allergic person's immune system reacts when they consume rice or rice-related products. The immune system produces 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
Are babies prone to rice allergy?
Yes, rice allergy is usually present in infancy. Be mindful, while feeding rice to your baby. It is advisable to consult your healthcare provider before introducing rice into your baby’s diet