Daily life for families living with food allergies can be difficult, from managing strict diets to worrying about accidental allergen exposure. But with expert oral immunotherapy treatment (OIT), many Atlanta families are finding a better way to manage food allergies. By desensitizing the immune system to specific food allergens, OIT significantly reduces the risk of severe reactions. If your child has shown signs of a food allergy, here’s how OIT can help.
How Families Are Managing Food Allergies With Oral Immunotherapy
OIT is a food allergy treatment that involves giving a patient gradually increasing amounts of an allergen to help the immune system become less sensitive to the substance. After successfully completing treatment, individuals can usually tolerate a significant amount of the food allergen without a reaction.
Reduces the Risk of Severe Reactions
The process of introducing small amounts of an allergen at gradually increasing levels helps the immune system become less reactive. This treatment occurs over several months and is designed to desensitize a person to a specific food, while carefully managing the risk of a severe allergic reaction.
Eases Anxiety About Eating
After experiencing moderate or severe reactions, many people develop anxiety and fear around eating. This concern is often heightened in settings like restaurants, at parties and events, where families must rely on menus, labels, or a chef’s preparation practices to make safe food choices.
Provides a Long-Term Option for Allergies
Many families feel they are in a constant reactive mode when attempting to manage peanut, tree nut, milk and egg allergies. And while OIT is not a cure, it can provide relief for many years. When young children start food allergy treatment early, they often build tolerance more easily and may enjoy greater protection as they grow.
Encourages Kids to Participate in Regular Activities
Attending school events and birthday parties can be risky for a child with food allergies. Kids may come into contact with certain foods and suffer an allergic reaction. After building tolerance to food allergens, children can feel more confident and participate more with others.
Ensures Families Enjoy Good Nutrition
Removing dairy products and items made with eggs and nuts could potentially lead to nutritional deficiencies. However, with OIT, patients can consume these items without worrying about substituting replacement ingredients. As a result, families can enjoy healthier, nutritious meals.
Decreases Reliance on Emergency Medications
OIT is a proven food allergy treatment that can reduce the threat of anaphylaxis. If a patient is less likely to react to allergen exposure, they may not need to rely on epinephrine auto-injectors. And while your allergist may still recommend carrying the medication, after desensitization treatment your risk levels will typically be significantly lower.
Expert Oral Immunotherapy for Food Allergies in Atlanta
Families dealing with common food allergy symptoms can visit one of our allergy treatment centers in the Atlanta area. To discuss oral immunotherapy and other treatment options, speak with our team today. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment now.
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