ASPERGILLUS FUMIGATU IgE Blood Test

@cholash Here is what Mayo Clinic has to say:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aspergillosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369623
According to my earlier pulmonologist when I had a positive blood test, they look for scan evidence plus a positive culture. The blood test may be used in combination with a scan showing a fungal mass.

@sueinmn thank you . Did you ultimately test out negative , even though your blood test was positive ? This one is new to me , so I’m trying to understand it all.

@cholash Yes, sputum culture was negative, and no fungal evidence in my lungs per CT scan. But it worried me for a few weeks.

@sueinmn thank you. Yes…very worrisome . I’ll look forward to the CT.

@sueinmn why do some drs only Rx Abx for 12 months? My ID wanted to start me on 24 months ABx Rx. (You seem to be a RN.) But I have MG and it is triggered by Abx, generally. So we are in a wait and see place. My MG is stable w/o meds but is easily triggered now by any type of extra meds not currently on my list. Seems like people start and stop ABx, which I thought was probably not good for this diagnosis.

Here's my story. Looking forward to learning from each other.

Around 2007, I developed a persistent cough accompanied by a large amount of sputum. I was misdiagnosed for about two years until a doctor decided to check my IgE levels, which were off the charts. This was followed by a bronchoscopy, which confirmed a diagnosis of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA).

Since then, I have experienced several years of relative calm, punctuated by occasional flare-ups. These flare-ups are typically treated with a round of steroids, antibiotics, and sometimes antifungal medication. One exacerbation around 2017 was severe enough to require another bronchoscopy, which reconfirmed the ABPA.

We monitor my IgE levels several times a year. While my IgE is still considered very high by medical standards, it is relatively low for me. In recent years, I have become more concerned with my associated bronchiectasis and occasional hemoptysis events. I am currently in the application process for NJH to determine how to best manage my condition. My major concern is the hemoptysis episodes. It makes daily life much more difficult when you never know if you will suddenly need an emergency room nearby.

@sig3 Thank you so much for your detailed info . I really hope your visit at NJH will be productive , and help you to better manage it all . Wishing you the best of luck while there .
I heard back from the pulmonologist , and he said my IgE was normal , so he’s not suspecting ABPA. Do you know if antihistamines can affect your IGE test result ? I’ve been treating a sinus infection , and just remembered I took NyQuil a few times before being tested . I also failed to mention that detail when listing meds with this new doctor, as it’s not something I normally take.

@cholash Great news your IgE is normal! With regard to your question, I am no expert and am only speaking on my personal experiences. My pulmonologist is aware I take Zyrtec everyday, and I have never stopped taking it when getting my IgE checked.

@macentee22 Oh my, I'm having a little trouble with all of the abbreviations, let me see if I understand. Oh, and I'm not a medical pro of any kind - just someone who has been through the whole treatment, and spent a lot of time here and elsewhere learning about MAC and all that goes with it.

You wonder why some doctors only prescribe antibiotics for 12 months, but your doctor wants you to take them for 24 months?

If you are speaking about Mycobacteria Avium Complex (MAC), the accepted treatment protocol for MAC is to take the antibiotics until the infection clears, then continue to take them for 6-12 months more to be sure it is gone. (Frequent sputum cultures are used to gauge progress in clearing the infection.) But not everyone with MAC needs to take antibiotics. The decision to treat is based on several factors, you can learn about it here:

The topic of this particular discussion is actually aspergillus (a mold) which has a whole different treatment plan.

@sueinmn Hello, I’m sorry about the abbreviations. I think that is why she said 24 months. If you start with 12 months, then add the additional 6-12 months after clear sputum cultures, you will eventually get to 24 months. I’m not on Abx because I’m not exhibiting symptoms. I’m on breathing Tx, but not ABx.