Allergy Sweet Potato Enzyme Assay Blood

Allergy sweet potato blood test is used to detect any allergies caused by sweet potato. This test mainly helps in measuring the IgE antibodies in the blood to assess the sensitization to sweet potato allergens. This test helps in knowing the immune response to potatoes and its products.

What is a sweet potato allergy?

Sweet potato belongs to morning glory family. It is a root vegetable with tuberous roots. It is starchy, sweet in taste. The sweet potato does not belong to the nightshade family and is very distantly related to the potatoes. Sweet potatoes are full of nutritional content. They are rich in vitamin A, potassium, fiber, natural sugars, fewer calories, etc. A sweet potato allergy may happen when the immune system mistakes the proteins in the cells of sweet potato for a foreign substance. Then the body produces a reaction similar to the one created during an attack of bacteria or virus. The symptoms of sweet potato allergy include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, rashes, itching, hives, inflammation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, etc.

Sometimes the allergic reactions can be life-threatening causing narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Very less often sweet potato allergy may cause an anaphylactic reaction. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency condition which leads to facial flushing, itching, shock, sudden fall in blood pressure, constriction of airways, swollen throat, difficulty to breathe, etc.

Foods to be avoided:

If you have a sweet potato allergy you should be careful before eating any canned or frozen or processed food. It is used as a flour, starch, glucose syrup, etc. It is used as a substitute in candies, pasta, drinks, alcohol, etc.

Why this test is recommended?

This test may be recommended to you if experience symptoms like swelling of the face, lips, tongue, rashes, itching, hives, inflammation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, etc immediately after consuming the sweet potato or its products. This test may also be recommended to monitor the treatment given for sweet potato allergy.

The normal reference range may vary depending on gender, age, health history, etc.

If your test results show high levels of IgE antibodies than the given reference range, it may indicate that the person is most likely to have an allergy.

If your test results are lower than the reference range, it may indicate that the allergy is absent in the individual.

If you get abnormal test results, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor may recommend other tests depending on your test results.