Overcome Allergies With Food Desensitization
Food allergies can be immensely stressful for both children and adults in Atlanta and across the country. While there is no cure for a food allergy, food desensitization offers the best alternative. This process is called oral immunotherapy treatment (OIT), and Chacko Food Allergy Treatment Center is one of a small number of food allergy treatment centers offering this in the United States.
How Does Food Desensitization Work?
Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakes harmless proteins in a particular food type for a harmful allergen. The immune system attempts to protect your body by releasing chemicals, but this causes an allergic reaction of varying severity. In some cases, consuming even a small amount of an allergen could potentially be life-threatening. Plus, allergic reactions may get worse over time. OIT is an approach that desensitizes your body to the allergen, allowing you to eat the food without the chance of an allergic reaction.
Initially, you will be tested for food allergies to identify the specific allergen at fault. The process can then start with a build-up day, where small quantities of the allergic food are consumed under medical supervision. After assessment from your allergist, you can then take regular doses at home.
The goal of OIT is to gradually increase the dosage until you can consume a full meal without an allergic response. The process often takes 6–12 months, though depending on your reaction it may take longer. In some cases, maintaining regular doses on an ongoing basis is the only way to ensure tolerance from the allergen.
Who Can Benefit From Food Desensitization?
Food desensitization can be successful for patients of all ages. Of course, parents with very young children that suffer from allergies will have a natural concern. This is why the treatment is only initiated after a thorough consultation and food allergy testing process. In truth, the best candidates are often people whose lives are being very negatively impacted by their allergies, facing a constant risk of anaphylaxis and other severe reactions.
What Food Allergies Can Oral Immunotherapy Treat?
OIT is an effective food allergy treatment for a broad range of food groups. Some of the most common allergies that can be treated are as follows:
- Peanut
- Tree nut
- Egg
- Milk
- Shellfish
- Wheat
After receiving food allergy testing, you should have a clearer picture of exactly what your body is sensitive to. You and your allergist can then determine whether oral immunotherapy is the right approach to take. The treatment is by no means an overnight cure, but the effort you make to build up tolerance can prepare you for a life without fear of consuming the wrong food.
Stop Suffering With Food Allergies
Don’t let food allergies control your life. Chacko Food Allergy Treatment Center helps adults and children build up a tolerance to their allergies and prevent severe reactions. Visit us at one of our food allergy treatment center locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. Make an appointment by calling us at 678-668-4688.
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