A concerning aspect of a food allergy is its unpredictability. You or your child may have experienced an allergic reaction to a food that led to some slight itching or swelling around the face. This type of reaction is troubling enough, but there’s always the concern of the problem getting worse over time. We work with patients in Atlanta to provide an effective food allergy treatment that reduces the risks of a negative reaction.
What Are the Most Effective Food Allergy Treatments?
Food Elimination Diet
An elimination diet involves removing an allergen from your daily food consumption. As trace amounts of a problem food could cause a reaction, you need to be strict with food avoidance. A dietitian can help develop a diet that ensures you get the right nutrients without putting yourself at risk. Common allergens like eggs and milk are ever-present ingredients to so many products, adding to the difficulty of this approach.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines can be an effective treatment for mild allergies. In these cases, an allergic reaction might lead only to some itching or skin redness. This type of reaction is certainly aggravating but not life-threatening. Your allergist may prescribe antihistamines as a way of lessening such allergic reactions and making life more comfortable.
Epinephrine
Because the health impact of a food allergy can be severe and life-threatening, anaphylaxis is possible. This is why carrying an epinephrine auto-injector is crucial. When administered, the epinephrine increases blood flow and lessens muscle tension in the airways. Carrying an auto-injector such as an EpiPenⓇ can help swiftly deal with the onset of an allergic reaction.
Oral Immunotherapy
While most other treatments are about coping with an allergy and managing it, oral immunotherapy aims to desensitize your immune system to an allergen. The goal is being able to eat the food without fear of a reaction. This treatment involves consuming the allergy-causing food in very small doses – over time this safely and gradually desensitizes the patient. After about 6–12 months of the treatment, a person’s tolerance levels will have grown dramatically. Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center is one of a limited number of allergist offices that offer oral immunotherapy treatment.
Can Food Allergies Be Cured?
Currently, there is no cure for food allergies. Some children do grow out of a food allergy, yet many people suffer from food allergies into adulthood and do their best to manage the problem. Thankfully, both children and adults can get help today. Oral immunotherapy is now the most effective treatment for building food allergen tolerance levels – and reducing the risks of acute reactions.
We Can Help Treat Your Food Allergy
When dealing with a food allergy, it’s best to take action. We can diagnose allergies of any type in children and adults, and offer the most effective treatment plan. Make an appointment at the Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center nearest you. We are located in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. Call us today at 678-668-4688.
