Ig E deficiency - Case Study Example

The immunoglobulin E (IgE) binds the environmental antigens or the parasitic infection agents, and then causes the release of substances from the mast cells, which causes inflammations. It is following the binding of the immunoglobulin E (IgE) to the mast cells that a cascade of the allergic reactions then occurs (Kim, Bouchard & Renzix, 2008). The surface of the mast cells is designed such that it contains special receptors that bind the IgE cells. Therefore, when two adjacent mast-cells that are already bound with the IgE antibodies come closer, they attract allergens and attach the allergens to both of them, thus cross-linking the IgE antibodies together (Scadding & Kariyawasam, 2009).

After a critical mass of the IgEs have become cross linked, they release histamine and other related substances, thus beginning the cascading allergic reactions. The pathophysiology that results in the symptoms of sneezing, mucous production and airway constriction begins after a repeated exposure of the IgE to a particular allergen, for example a dust mite (Bourdin, Gras, Vachier & Chanez, 2009). The exposure to such allergens first produces an initial immune system reaction referred to as the early phase reaction, which is followed by another phase referred to as the late phase reaction, which is a more severe reaction (Scadding & Kariyawasam, 2009).

Therefore, the pathophysiology of IgE reaction starts with the sensitization phase, where the IgE are exposed to an allergen for the first time. The sensitization phase where the IgE gets exposed to the allergen for the first time may occur through different forms such as inhalation, for example of dust mites, pollen or molds, or through ingestion of a certain type of parasite, food or medication (Kim, Bouchard & Renzix, 2008). The sensitization can also occur through touch, for example coming into contact with a poison ivy or latex, or through injection, for example under medication or through being stung by an