Atlanta oral immunotherapy treatment.

For individuals living with food allergy symptoms, finding effective treatment options can significantly improve health and well-being. Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is an established food allergy treatment that leading Atlanta allergists now offer their patients. Following a successful treatment process, a person will gain a tolerance to allergens that reduces the possibility of allergic reactions. If you’re undergoing OIT, here are some top ways to prepare for treatment.

Best Ways to Get Ready for Oral Immunotherapy Treatment

Before starting OIT, your allergist will guide you through every stage of the process. As the process requires a long-term commitment, it’s important to understand what to expect before beginning treatment.

Learn How Oral Immunotherapy Works

Understanding OIT before treatment begins will help you feel confident. This process involves consuming small amounts of an allergen (like milk or peanuts) over several months. Doses gradually increase to help the immune system build tolerance safely. This innovative treatment can allow some patients to eventually consume their trigger foods without reacting, while others may experience symptoms that are milder and more manageable.

Discuss Your Medical History

Oral immunotherapy benefits children and adults by lessening severe allergy symptoms and reducing the risk of life-threatening reactions. However, these benefits must be weighed alongside other health considerations. Before recommending OIT as the appropriate treatment, your allergist will need to assess any existing medical conditions, examining the family history of allergies (if any), as well as medications currently being taken.

Follow Your Allergist’s Guidelines

Your allergist will provide some important guidelines prior to starting treatment. While the exact requirements may vary, they may include temporarily halting or adjusting the dosage of certain medications (like antihistamines). It may be necessary to keep a food diary to maintain a record of any accidental exposures or reactions in the weeks before treatment.

Understand Oral Immunotherapy Side Effects

Though severe reactions are rare, it’s important to stay alert for potential side effects, however mild they may be. For some patients, itching in the mouth, minor abdominal discomfort or throat irritation may occur as the body adapts to the allergen. If you experience hives, nausea or more moderate side effects, your allergist may need to adjust the treatment dose. Learning about these possible symptoms before you start treatment can reduce anxiety as you receive your scheduled OIT doses.

Commit to Following the Treatment Plan

The effectiveness of oral immunotherapy treatment is dependent on staying consistent. Initially you will need to visit your allergist’s office for updosing appointments, while also taking daily maintenance doses at home. Once you reach the maintenance dose you won’t require as many office visits, but will still need to take home doses to maintain tolerance. To prepare for this long-term commitment it helps to keep a journal and set reminders on your phone.

Expert Oral Immunotherapy Treatment in Atlanta

For help managing food allergies, contact our experienced allergy team for support and management solutions. Our allergists can offer guidance on oral immunotherapy treatment and other options for relieving allergy symptoms. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.

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