Does eating fruits, vegetables or nuts cause your lips, mouth or throat to itch or tingle? If you have been experiencing these symptoms, you might require the help of oral allergy syndrome treatment from an Atlanta allergist. Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is a type of allergy where the immune system confuses proteins in certain foods with pollen. And while symptoms are mild for most people, the potential of having a severe reaction does exist. This makes finding a suitable treatment for OAS a top priority.
Is Immunotherapy the Best Treatment for Oral Allergy Syndrome?
As with all types of allergies, the appropriate OAS treatment will vary based on a patient’s particular needs. Also known as pollen-food allergy syndrome, OAS usually leads to mild symptoms that resolve fairly quickly. However, for some patients symptoms can indeed be more severe, and could even lead to an episode of anaphylaxis.
After diagnosing this condition using a health assessment and allergy testing, a food allergy specialist can help identify the right treatment. For a patient with well-controlled symptoms, simple approaches like cooking the problem foods might be adequate. However, anyone with OAS that is experiencing a negative impact on their daily life could be a good candidate for immunotherapy.
Avoidance Strategies for Oral Allergy Syndrome
If you experience only mild symptoms, following avoidance strategies can help prevent allergic reactions. At first, it’s very important to keep a food diary so you can determine the foods your immune system responds to. When problem foods have been identified, you can check food labels to avoid accidental exposure. In many cases, cooking or peeling fruits and vegetables can allow for safe consumption. Cooking works by altering the structure of the heat-sensitive proteins, while peeling removes the skin where most proteins are concentrated. However, discussing this strategy with your allergist is certainly worthwhile.
Allergy Shots for Oral Allergy Syndrome
Allergy shots, or subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), are under-the-skin injections of allergen extracts. This type of immunotherapy aims to build a tolerance to pollen, as it cross-reacts with similar food proteins. Patients typically visit the allergist for weekly injections in the initial phase, and then monthly for maintenance. A study review in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that across nine studies, 72% of patients experienced a reduction in OAS symptoms after treatment with SCIT.
Oral Immunotherapy Treatment for Oral Allergy Syndrome
Oral immunotherapy is a food allergy treatment that requires consuming gradually increasing amounts of an allergen to build tolerance. This treatment is more commonly used for specific food allergies such as peanuts, eggs and milk, and there is ongoing research into its suitability for OAS where particular triggers are identified. One study in the National Library of Medicine found that tolerance was induced through the gradual consumption of apple portions over a period of eight months.
Visit Us for Immunotherapy for Oral Allergy Syndrome in Atlanta
If you suffer from symptoms of oral allergy syndrome, speak with us about your treatment options, including immunotherapy. Our treatment centers are located in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment now.
Image Credit – Antonina Vlasova/Shutterstock.com