Allergen,Individual-FoodCorn / MaizeMakka (Zea Mays)

• Establishing a diagnosis of an allergy to corn
• Identifying allergens responsible for allergic disease and/or anaphylactic episode
• To confirm sensitization prior to beginning immunotherapy

Common signs or symptoms of corn allergy may include the following:

• Hives or skin rashes
• Itching/swelling (especially of the lips/face/tongue/throat)
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing
• Fast heartbeat
• Digestive symptoms – cramps, stomach pain, bloating, nausea or vomiting

A severe, possibly life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis may occur in some cases. An anaphylactic response requires immediate medical attention. Signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:

• Rapid or increased pulse
• Swollen throat or lump, making it difficult to breathe
• Low blood pressure

Extreme dizziness or loss of consciousness

Specific IgE measures the concentration of circulating allergen specific IgE for food allergen corn.

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

Both: Negative: < 0.1 KAU/L
Both: Positive: => 0.1 KAU/L

Detection of IgE antibodies indicates an increased likelihood of allergy to corn that may be responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms. A negative result indicates that the symptoms are not due to corn allergies and other differential diagnoses must be considered.