What Is Oral Immunotherapy?
Oral immunotherapy involves exposing a patient to small doses of an allergen, gradually desensitizing them to the food over time. A patient would start their oral immunotherapy treatment at one of our clinics in Atlanta or the surrounding areas. Over the course of approximately seven hours, small doses of the offending allergen would be given to the child, preparing them for the ongoing process.
After leaving the clinic, your child would be given low doses to take at home. The process involves returning to the clinic for gradual increases in dose strength, all conducted under supervision of the doctor. The treatment is not considered a cure for an allergy, as it will usually be necessary to continue occasional dosing according to the doctor’s recommendations.
How Can Oral Immunotherapy Benefit My Child?
Oral immunotherapy allows your child to ingest the allergen without it causing a reaction. The reaction to very low doses can be monitored, ensuring your child doesn’t suffer any negative reactions. Over the course of 6–12 months, the body can build up a tolerance. In successful cases, a patient is able to consume the food without fear of an allergic reaction.
Additionally, the treatment can provide positive mental health benefits. Many allergy sufferers are naturally concerned about accidentally consuming certain foods. This understandable fear can lead to a greatly restricted diet, eating problems, even social problems. The gradual process of tolerance can help your child overcome these fears and experience a better relationship with food.
What Allergies Can Oral Immunotherapy Help With?
Oral immunotherapy can be effective for IgE-mediated food allergies, but not “food intolerances.” Some examples of common IgE-mediated food allergies include milk, egg, soy, wheat, peanut, fish, tree nuts and shellfish. Children suffering with asthma are often not suited to oral immunotherapy unless the asthmatic condition is under control. Child candidates for oral immunotherapy should be over five years old, and be able to explain their reactions to certain foods in detail.
Who Can Perform Oral Immunotherapy Treatment?
An allergic response to foods can be severe. In some cases, those with extreme sensitivity can have a chance of anaphylaxis. It is, therefore, critical to undergo treatment under the supervision of a board-certified allergist. Chacko Food Allergy Treatment Center has board-certified pediatric allergists and immunologists who work with families to determine the best course of action for their child. Food allergy testing can discover the source of an allergy, then options and further treatments can be discussed with the doctor.
Are You Considering Oral Immunotherapy?
If you think oral immunotherapy might benefit your child, get in touch with us to make an appointment with Chacko Food Allergy Treatment Center. We have clinics in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. Contact us with your questions and to schedule an appointment at 678-668-4688.
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