Why Food Allergy Immunotherapy is a Much-needed Action

Food allergy executes a severe global health problem, and hence, there is a dire need for effective and safe treatments. AIT or allergen-specific immunotherapy is now the only approach to reinstate immune tolerance through administering growing doses of allergen excerpts. There has been increasing research dedicated to food allergy immunotherapy to persuade clinical desensitization and offer protection by increasing clinical reaction edges.

According to recent studies with differing routes of administration like oral, epicutaneous and sublingual, suggest that immunotherapy for food allergy can induce clinical desensitization with variable levels of safety, however eternal tolerance has not been confirmed.

What is Immunotherapy?

Allergen immunotherapy is a kind of treatment for allergies. It includes exposing the patient to little, increasing doses of an allergen. It helps to build up ultimate tolerance to the allergen. Making up tolerance eliminates or reduces allergy symptoms.

And food allergy immunotherapy is basically used to build up a tolerance for minor quantities of a food allergen. This is only a treatment option, not a remedy, for food allergy. According to the specialist doctor of Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center, immunotherapy treatment for food allergy helps to ease the condition. That is why it is suggested to go for this procedure to live a comfortable life.

How does Allergen Immunotherapy Treatment Work?

According to San Antonio allergens report, allergen immunotherapy basically works by familiarizing gradually increasing amounts of the allergen into the immune system of the patient. It is done on a regular schedule, till a maintenance level is reached. Acceptance for the allergen naturally continues after immunotherapy procedure ends. Cedar allergy shots are also a recommended one. However, the eternal success rate varies from individual to individual.

Types of Immunotherapies for Food Allergies

Oral immunotherapy treatment (OIT): It is a two-step process of overcoming food allergies. This process begins by introducing a solution comprising a small amount of the problematic food. The dosage of the irritating food gradually increases. In the second stage, patients are given a small portion of the trigger food. This is repeated numerous times, each time ingesting more of the food allergen, until the patient can swallow a specified amount of the allergen. With these immunotherapy treatments, most patients can eat earlier triggering foods without experiencing any life-threatening reactions.

Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): SLIT tablets are approved by FDA to treat ragweed pollens and grass and house dust mites. Each tablet covers one type of allergen. Patients are given small doses of an allergen under the tongue. As a result of which, patients become more tolerant to the food substance.

Epicutaneous Immunotherapy: It can numb allergies, only a little amount of histamine is directed subcutaneously. Many people stop responding to the trigger food once the therapy is over.

So, it can be said that food allergy immunotherapy is a much-needed option for the people who are suffering with food allergy. Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center in San Antonio is an ideal place for such kind of allergy treatment. We cater to the necessity of our patients.

What Should You Know About Food Allergies Treatment

 

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 food allergies treatment, food allergy symptoms, and other treatments in this article. 

What Is A Food Allergy?

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.

Food Allergy Symptoms

Some people only have a mild allergic reaction to a specific food. In most cases, food allergy symptoms appear within minutes to two hours of consuming the offending food.

Symptoms and Signs of Food Allergies Include:

• Difficulty in breathing and wheezing.

• Eczema, hives or itching.

• An itchy or tingling sensation in the mouth.

• Swelling of the face, tongue and throat.

• Dizziness or fainting.

• Indigestion, diarrhea or nausea.

Three types of immunotherapy for food allergies -

Oral Immunotherapy Treatment (OIT) -

An oral immunotherapy (OIT) treatment is a two-step method of overcoming food allergies. The OIT begins by introducing a solution containing a small amount of the problem food. Over time, the dosage of the annoying food gradually increases. In the second phase of treatment, patients are given a small portion of the trigger food. This is repeated several times, each time ingesting more of the food allergen, until the patient can swallow a specified amount of the allergen (e.g., one egg, one ounce of milk, one peanut , etc.). With these food allergies treatment, most patients can eat previously triggering foods without experiencing life-threatening reactions.

Subcutaneous Immunotherapy -

Through injections, subcutaneous immunotherapy can desensitize allergies. First, only a tiny amount of histamine is administered subcutaneously. The dose is gradually increased after a few weeks. Most people stop responding to the trigger food once the treatment is over.

Sublingual Immunotherapy -

Another non-injectable treatment option for food allergies is sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). Patients are given small doses of an allergen under the tongue by allergists. As a result, patients become more tolerant to the substance and show fewer symptoms. One study found SLIT to be effective in treating hazelnut, peach, apple, milk, and peanut allergies, with a focus on treating peanut allergy.

Other Treatments For Food Allergies

In addition, this food allergies immunotherapy treatment is suitable for people who do not have much time during their treatment program to inject themselves regularly. Allergy shots for Cedar fever 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. Botox injections in San Antonio are well-known for their ability to minimize the appearance of facial wrinkles. They are also used to treat conditions such as cervical dystonia (neck spasms), hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), an overactive bladder, and lazy eye. 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.

Consult a doctor first before receiving any treatment like cosmetic treatment in San Antonio. 

When Is The Right Time To Go To The Emergency Room?

An allergic reaction without medical treatment can be fatal. Contact us 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.

Food allergies treatment 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!