Are you tired of having to do extensive research before dining out to ensure you will not come into contact with allergens? Has it become a hassle to avoid your food allergy triggers? Life with a food allergy can be complicated. Sometimes it is even embarrassing to have to make your dietary restrictions a priority or even just having to disclose them. Although you may feel like you are out of options, there are treatments than can help you! Oral immunotherapy is an effective treatment method that puts treatment to manage and reduce an allergy in your hands.
What is a Food Allergy?
Many people are affected by food allergies, but they are all experienced differently. They happen when a person’s body is unable to process or breakdown a specific type of food. Common food allergies include:
- Dairy
- Shellfish
- Peanuts
- Eggs
- Tree nuts
- Milk
Reactions to food allergies vary for each person. Common reactions include rashes, stomach upset, and headache.
What is Oral Immunotherapy?
Oral immunotherapy is an exciting and effective method of treating allergies. This treatment, which is also known as desensitization, involves ingesting extremely low dosages of allergens on a steady basis. This controlled treatment gradually helps your body become more accustomed to the irritant. Your body is able to build up a defense or harvest the ability to better breakdown the food.
While this does not cure an allergy, it can help manage it. When using oral immunotherapy for food allergy, this helps reduce the risk of anaphylactic shock or reaction caused by accidental exposure. This can help provide peace of mind, particularly when traveling or dining out.
Is Using Oral Immunotherapy for a Food Allergy Right For Me?
All health care is extremely personal, and each person’s treatments are unique. While this treatment may be good for some, it is not the best option for everyone. A consultation with our qualified professionals can help you make an informed decision about this allergy treatment.
Oral immunotherapy does not necessarily negate the need for other allergy treatments or safeguards. It is not uncommon for those who chose this desensitization method to still carry an EpiPen as an extra measure. It is still important to avoid the allergies as much as possible as this treatment helps prevent issues in case of accidental interaction.
Curious to Learn More?
If you have a food allergy and are curious to learn more about oral immunotherapy, we warmly invite you to reach out to Asthma Allergy Centre. At our convenient locations in Tigard, Beaverton, Newberg, and McMinnville, our caring and experienced team of professionals will be pleased to explain this option to you in full and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!