Here’s another best kept medical secret.
Particles in the air you are breathing may be making you ill in the form of delayed inhalant hypersensitivities causing a whole range of systemic symptoms.
Medical doctors – for the most part – only treat classic IgE immediate-onset allergies. In fact, the current definition of “allergy” only includes this well known IgE meditated response. These are immediate reactions to substances like pollens, mold spores, animal danders, dust, foods, insect venoms, latex, and drugs.
Here’s the kicker: your body could be making IgG antibodies causing delayed reactions – occurring several hours to several days later – to these very same substances. These IgG – Type III hypersensitivity reactions can cause a range of of inflammatory symptoms like joint and muscle pain, fatigue, headaches, rashes, sore throats, rhinitis, and so on. They may also exacerbate co-occurring inflammatory conditions or autoimmune diseases.
I’m sorry if this sounds complex or confusing. It’s really quite simple. There’s a whole range of inhalant allergies – and food sensitivities too - that allopathic doctors don’t recognize or treat. They will never mention them to you. You may suffer endlessly without ever finding the true cause.
I had no idea there are IgG inhalant hypersensitivities. My IgE is remarkably low, indicating – in the world of allopathic medicine – that I have no allergies whatsoever.
Surprise, surprise. When I took the 16-Inhalant IgG Antibody Assessment it turns out I have delayed hypersensitivities to dust mites and mold. Believe me, a light bulb turned on when I saw those results. It explained so much about what was happening in my body. This test might also be extremely helpful to you, especially if you have many mysterious, unexplained symptoms.
IgG antibodies: what do they do?
Here’s a brief explanation of the function of IgG antibodies:
‘IgG antibodies represent the most prevalent class found in the blood. It is produced after reimmunization, or secondary response to antigen. It is the primary mediator of the memory immune response. Often involved in Type III delayed hypersensitivity reactions, IgG forms an immune complex with the allergen. This antibody/antigen complex activates complement (a group of small proteins found circulating in the blood stream that are involved in the release of inflammatory mediators), and enhances phagocytosis by opsonization. The inflammatory process is gradual and may take anywhere from several hours to several days, which is why this type of reaction is termed, delayed. Although immune cells called macrophages dispose of these immune complexes immediately, they only have a finite capacity to do so. Excess antigen may saturate the macrophages capacity resulting in the prolonged circulation of complexes and their deposition into the body tissues. Depending on which tissues are involved, it is thought that these complexes may be implicated in many different conditions/symptoms.”
There are two important points that standout for me:
- The inflammatory process is gradual and may take anywhere from several hours to several days, which is why this type of reaction is termed, delayed.
- Depending on which tissues are involved, it is thought that these complexes may be implicated in many different conditions/symptoms.
IgG reactions are difficult to assess because they occur so long after exposure to an aeroallergen or the intake of an allergenic food. Your body might feel like a constant war zone and you have no idea why. You literally have to be Nancy Drew to figure it out. Testing is an excellent resource to aid the investigation.
IgG Antibody Testing: the cutting edge of science
IgG antibody testing is one among a number of tests that are considered to be of “unknown efficacy” by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAI) and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). These tests are considered investigational because the scientific evidence is not conclusive regarding their effects on health outcomes.
In other words, it’s too early to know if these test are effective. It’s the cutting edge of science.
Nevertheless, IgG Antibody testing is helping people each and every day discover the true causes or contributors to their chronic illnesses. Are they 100% accurate? Of course not. Is any medical test 100% accurate? The standard Skin-Prick Test used by conventional allergists is notoriously unreliable.
How to get an IgG Antibody Assessment
IgG Antibody Assessment tests are available through physicians who practice integrative medicine, clinical ecology, and naturopathy. A blood sample is taken and sent to a lab for assessment. Most alternative labs also conduct IgE and IgA Antibody Assessment as well if you wish to have a complete assessment for immediate-onset and delayed reactions.
Following is a sample report for the 16-Inhalant Panel IgG/IgA Assessment from U. S. BioTek Laboratories in Seattle. IgG antibody testing is not yet available for tree pollens and a number of other substances, but the 16-Inhalant panel is a good start.
IgG Inhalant Antibody Assessment Test
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U. S. BioTek is the only lab I know of that provides an IgG Inhalant Panel, whereas IgG Antibody Testing for food sensitivity is common in alternative labs. If you know of other labs that provide IgG Inhalant testing, please let me know.
The benefit of IgG Antibody Testing
I’ve spoken with a number of people who have benefited greatly from taking an IgG hypersensitivity test. They were able to pinpoint their hypersensitivities, reduce exposure to one or more allergens, and decrease their symptoms accordingly.
Often, IgG sensitivities are not forever. People are sometimes able to overcome or greatly improve an IgG hypersensitivity by eliminating exposure for an extended period of time. But the first step is finding out what your sensitivities are, and that’s where testing can be an invaluable guide.
I suspect this type of testing may be extremely useful to many people with chronic illness, especially when inflammation is an issue or an autoimmune condition is in play. Why add fuel to the fire by eating foods or breathing substances that are unknowingly making you ill?
Naturally, there’s a cost involved as well as the chance of spending money only to discover that IgG hypersensitivities are not a problem for you. On the other hand, identifying sensitivities could make a world of difference for your health and your whole life. The best approach is to discuss the option with an alternative medical practitioner who understands your condition and can help you assess whether this testing may be relevant for you.
I would love to hear your own experience with delayed sensitivities and how you discovered your triggers.
P. S. I’m not a doctor, only sharing research and what has helped me. Please check with a doctor regarding testing and treatments.
If you liked this article, please share the link with others. Thanks so much! Sandra
