Asthma & Allergy

Causes & Risk Factors

Allergic asthma develops through a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental allergen exposure:

•  Family history of asthma or other allergic conditions (atopy) increases individual risk.

•  Personal history of allergic rhinitis or eczema is associated with increased likelihood of allergic asthma.

•  Exposure to environmental allergens — dust mites, pollens, molds, animal dander — can trigger or worsen symptoms in sensitized individuals.

•  Respiratory viral infections, particularly in early childhood, may contribute to asthma development in some patients.

•  Environmental factors — air pollution and tobacco smoke exposure — can worsen asthma symptoms and severity.

Symptoms & When to Test

Asthma symptoms can be triggered or worsened by allergen exposure in patients with an allergic component to their asthma.

•  Wheezing

•  Cough, particularly at night or with exercise

•  Chest tightness

•  Shortness of breath

•  Symptoms that worsen with specific allergen exposures (such as pollen season or contact with animals)

•  Severe breathing difficulty — a medical emergency requiring immediate care

When Should You Consider Testing?

Allergy testing is generally considered in patients with an established or suspected asthma diagnosis, to help identify whether specific allergen sensitization is contributing to symptom triggers — it is not used to diagnose asthma itself, which relies on clinical assessment and lung function testing.

Why Tests Are Combined

Specific IgE and inhalant panel testing identify which particular allergens a patient with asthma is sensitized to, which can help guide both avoidance measures and, in some cases, specific treatment approaches targeting the allergic pathway.

Total IgE can provide supportive background information, particularly relevant when considering certain treatment options that are guided in part by IgE level, though it does not identify the specific allergen.

Allergy testing is only one component of a complete asthma evaluation — lung function testing and clinical assessment (outside the scope of laboratory testing) remain essential for diagnosing and staging asthma itself, with allergy testing specifically addressing the allergic trigger component.

Tests Available at NPL

Most allergy and immunology blood tests do not require fasting. However, some tests ordered at the same time may have specific preparation requirements. Please follow the instructions provided by your doctor or NPL.

Home Sample Collection

NPL offers convenient home sample collection for Asthma & Allergy blood tests, so you don't need to visit a lab in person.

→ Book your test online, via the NPL app, or by calling +977 1 5970147 and select a convenient time slot for home sample collection.

→ A certified and experienced NPL phlebotomist visits your home at the scheduled time, following strict hygiene and safety protocols.

→ Your sample is transported under controlled, monitored conditions to NPL's NABL ACCREDITED UNDER ISO15189:2012laboratory for processing.

→ Your digital report is delivered securely to your phone or email, along with access to download and share it as needed.

When to See a Doctor

•  Wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath, particularly if new or worsening

•  Asthma symptoms triggered by specific exposures (allergens, exercise, weather)

•  Nighttime cough or breathing difficulty affecting sleep

•  Severe breathing difficulty — seek emergency care immediately

•  Known asthma with symptoms not well controlled on current treatment