What is "immunoglobulin E" or "IgE"?

What is "immunoglobulin E" or "IgE"?

Harold Kaiser (Practicing Allergist and Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School) gives expert video advice on: What causes allergies?; What happens in my body when I have an allergic reaction?; Are allergies becoming more common? and more...

Immunoglobulin E is the immunoglobulin, the body chemical, which is thought to be important in the cause of many allergic reactions. For example, patients who does not have allergics may have a level of immunoglobulin E. A patient who has an allergic condition, such as allergic rhinitis, or allergic asthma may have a very high elevated level of immunoglobulin E. It's an antibody that can be measured in the laboratory, and gives a measure of how allergical reactive that patient might be. And, it's also is the substance that causes the allergic skin test. If you ever seen someone who has allergic skin testing they get a flare reaction, and a red reaction. And, if they're responding to the substance, let's say, that has been tested. Immunoglobulin E is the body chemical that causes the allergic reaction.