Can You Cure Allergies With a Peanut Pill?
The 2020 FDA approval for the peanut pill, Palforzia, gave hope to many peanut allergy sufferers in Atlanta and across the country. Research into peanut allergy treatments is, of course, a positive sign. However, Palforzia is not the only peanut allergy desensitization procedure available. If you are looking to overcome a peanut allergy, what are your best options?
Is Palforzia an Effective Peanut Allergy Treatment?
Palforzia, a capsule containing peanut powder, was approved by the FDA for initiation in children ages 4 to 17. Studies showed that 67.2% of participants could tolerate 600 mg of peanut protein (approximately two whole peanuts) after months of scheduled dosing. While these results are promising, they don’t represent a cure for peanut allergies.
How Does Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center Treat Peanut Allergies?
Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center has been using oral immunotherapy treatment (OIT) for many years before the approval of this new peanut pill. Instead of using peanut powder capsules, we use real peanuts and peanut butter at gradually increasing doses. This safe and effective process has been used to help people of all ages, including children as young as six months old.
While OIT is safe and carefully monitored, there are only a limited number of board certified specialists delivering the treatment in Georgia. Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center’s track record in the field means allergy sufferers and their parents willingly travel hundreds of miles to seek peanut allergy desensitization at a Chacko Allergy center.
How Effective Is Peanut Allergy Desensitization?
Before you consider food allergy desensitization, it is worth looking at the efficacy of the treatment. In contrast to the tolerance goal of two peanuts with Palforzia, the team at Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center sets a goal of three to eight peanuts. In practice, patients are frequently desensitized to more than three times the maintenance goal, leading to a dramatically reduced risk of an allergic reaction.
A study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology looked at sustained unresponsiveness at four weeks after stopping OIT. The trial found that 91% of preschool children who participated could consume peanuts without allergic responses. A further study in older children found that desensitization to the peanut maintenance dose was achieved in 67% to 93% of subjects.
What Allergy Testing Services Are Available for Peanut Allergies?
If you are concerned about a peanut allergy, it is vital that you speak to an allergist. Testing services like skin prick testing or oral challenge food allergy testing can identify a peanut allergy. Subsequently, an effective treatment plan can be developed. And while peanut desensitization cannot be considered a cure, Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center’s many success stories show the benefits OIT can deliver to peanut allergy sufferers across the country.
Get Effective Treatment for a Peanut Allergy
Do you need help dealing with a peanut allergy? The team at Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center provides reliable peanut allergy diagnosis and treatment from food allergy treatment centers in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Duluth and Johns Creek. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment online.
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