People with allergies often assume that they will have to live with their allergy forever. Fortunately, this is not the case. Let's learn more about the basics of immunotherapy for food allergy, food allergy symptoms, and other treatments in this article.
Food allergies are immune system reactions that occur shortly after eating a particular food. Even a tiny amount of an allergenic food can trigger digestive problems, hives or swelling in the airways. In other cases, some people may experience severe food allergy symptoms or even anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction. Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal allergic reaction.
Food allergies affect 4-6% of children and 4% of adults, according to the Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center. Food allergies can occur at any age, including babies and children. You can still develop an allergy even if you've never had a problem eating certain foods before. The immune system protects us from germs, but in people with food allergies, the immune system mistakenly reacts to food as a harmful substance.
What Causes Food Allergies
Although it's not yet known what exactly causes food allergies, there are some theories. One of them is called the hygiene hypothesis, which suggests that being exposed to germs from an early age can help your body develop a healthy immune system - and thereby better protect you against allergies and autoimmune disorders. Not only do kids growing up on farms seem to have lower rates of allergies, but several studies have also found that in highly-developed countries with clean environments, more people suffer from hay fever and food sensitivities. If you’re looking for a way around allergies without medication, ask your doctor about food allergy immunotherapy like sublingual immunotherapy or specific oral immunotherapy.
Treatments For Food Allergies
In addition, this immunotherapy for food allergy treatment is suitable for people who do not have much time during their treatment program to inject themselves regularly. Food allergy shots are generally safe, but there is a risk of a serious and life-threatening allergic reaction. So they should always be administered under medical supervision in an allergist's office.
Taking prescription or over-the-counter antihistamines can help reduce the symptoms of mild allergic reactions. Pediatric allergist San Antonio checks patients from infancy to adolescence. Their decision to specialize in pediatric allergy and immunology gives them the most experience in dealing with the unique medical needs of children with allergies and immune system issues. After consuming food that causes allergies, you can also use these medications to relieve itching and hives. Despite this, antihistamines cannot treat severe allergic reactions.
Severe allergic reactions may require an emergency injection of epinephrine and a visit to the emergency room. Many people with allergies carry an epinephrine auto-injector (Adrenaclick, EpiPen) with them. When you press against your thigh, the concealed syringe and needle combination injects a single dose of the medication.
When Is The Right Time To Go To The Emergency Room?
An allergic reaction without medical treatment can be fatal. Contact the best allergy doctor San Antonio immediately if the following occurs:
Shortness of breath or chest pain.
Extreme itching and hives all over the body.
A swollen throat that restricts your airways.
You Are Safer With Immunotherapy
Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal allergic reaction that can occur when the reaction is severe. Although you may not be very allergic to histamine, you may still fear for your life or even need medical attention. Foods like shellfish and nuts contain the highest levels of histamine. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include airway obstruction and a drastic drop in blood pressure.
Immunotherapy for food allergy can help you stop worrying about allergies. Foods that once posed a threat become harmless. Book your appointment today at the Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center!
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