Do You Know Your IgE Number?

Asthma affects approximately 20 million people in the United States. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that 60 percent of the people in the United States with asthma have allergic asthma, a type of asthma that is set-off by allergens such as animal dander, pollen, mold spores and cockroaches. People with allergic asthma produce too much IgE (Immunoglobulin E) when they are exposed to allergens. The extra IgE, in turn, may cause asthma symptoms and attacks. To educate asthma sufferers about their condition, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has launched the Whats My IgE? campaign, designed to raise awareness of IgE as a key component that may play a role in the proper diagnosis of allergic asthma. The campaign aims to motivate patients to speak with an asthma specialist to help improve the quality of their asthma management. Patients with other chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension or obesity, know that the key to long-term management is to know their numbers, whether blood sugar, blood pressure or body mass index, said Mike Tringale, Director of External Affairs, AAFA. This campaign aims to create that same level of awareness for allergic asthma sufferers — to know their IgE so they can better manage their condition. AAFA also encourages asthma patients to visit the Whats My IgE? campaign Web site, www.WhatsMyIgE.com . This online resource contains facts about IgE, helps visitors find out where they can get a free IgE screening and assists patients in locating an asthma specialist in their area.