Cottonwood
Understanding Cottonwood
What is Cottonwood?
Allergy, Individual Marker, COTTONWOOD is a blood test that assesses the level of IgE (a type of antibody) in your blood. If your doctor suspects that you may be allergic to cottonwood, a tree with seeds covered with hairs resembling cotton, they are likely to recommend this test. The pollen of cottonwood may lead to allergic reactions in some people.
If you experience symptoms indicating a possible allergic reaction in your body, your doctor may also recommend this test. The symptoms include - itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, eczema, coughing, nausea, vomiting, and persistent or periodic itching, among others.
An increased level of IgE in your blood may mean that you are allergic to cottonwood. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may recommend other tests.
What does Cottonwood measure?
The Cottonwood test measures the presence and levels of specific IgE antibodies produced by the immune system in response to proteins found in the cottonwood and its pollen. These proteins can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially during the peak pollen seasons. Elevated IgE levels suggest an allergy to cottonwood, helping doctors diagnose and manage allergic reactions more effectively. This test is a highly accurate and reliable method for quantifying IgE antibodies, providing valuable insights into the severity of the allergic response and guiding further diagnostic and treatment decisions.
Interpreting Cottonwood results
Interpretations
* If your total IgE level is increased, it usually indicates that you are suffering from allergy to cottonwood.