Food allergies are tough to live with. Oral immunotherapy treatment can lessen the problem. Without treatment, there is a constant requirement to monitor your food choices, paying close attention to the ingredients in a meal. Plus, most food allergies start in childhood, adding stress to the whole family.
Those who choose oral immunotherapy treatment can gradually desensitize themselves to their problem food. A successful treatment plan will lessen the need to painstakingly monitor the food you consume, and in some cases make it so the foods will be able to be consumed without concern.
What Is Oral Immunotherapy?
Oral immunotherapy involves consuming small amounts of the food causing a reaction. You start with a build-up day, carefully monitored by your doctor. A small amount of food is eaten, with the levels gradually increasing.
As long as you and your doctor are satisfied, you can then continue the treatment at home. Food portions will gradually increase over time until you can eat a substantial amount of the food without experiencing a reaction. At that point your immune system has become desensitized to the allergen.
What Food Allergies Will Oral Immunotherapy Treat?
Peanut Allergy
Peanut allergies occur in people of all ages and can be potentially quite severe. Know that peanut traces can also be found in a variety of food products. Oral immunotherapy is indeed an effective approach to dealing with this allergy.
Tree Nut Allergy
Tree nuts, such as walnuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts and pecans can be tricky, as you may be allergic to just a single nut – or a number of them. Treatment can reduce the risk of a reaction when consuming a tree nut without having realized it.
Egg Allergy
Among other symptoms, an egg allergy can result in skin inflammation and hives. Treating the issue with oral immunotherapy can greatly reduce your concerns about this common food.
Wheat Allergy
Wheat can be found in so many common items such as breads, cereal, pasta, even sauces. Consistent exposure to wheat via a treatment program will reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
Milk Allergy
Milk allergies are prevalent in children and can cause uncomfortable stomach conditions. Oral immunotherapy can prevent these issues and increase a child’s (or an adult’s) food choices.
How Do I Know If Oral Immunotherapy Is Right for Me?
Before deciding if oral immunotherapy treatment is the best solution, you need to start with allergy testing. You may only suffer mild responses to a particular food and have no trouble avoiding it. Alternately, your allergy may place quite a burden on your life and put you at risk of a severe reaction. Speak to one of our docotrs to assess your options and to choose the best approach.
It’s Time to Consider Oral Immunotherapy
Oral immunotherapy is helping countless patients deal with their allergies. Now is the time to take action and reduce the impact of food allergies on your life. Make an appointment at one of our six clinics in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. Call us today at 678-668-4688.
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