For the many Atlanta adults and children with food allergies, avoidance has been the primary method of allergic reaction prevention since being diagnosed. Increasingly, however, people living with allergies are turning to oral immunotherapy treatment (OIT). Food allergy desensitization approaches like OIT promise to reduce the threat of life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis. But just how effective is desensitization in treating common food allergies?
Is Food Allergy Desensitization an Effective Treatment?
Awareness of food allergy desensitization is growing, but many patients are still unaware of the benefits. This treatment requires the help of a knowledgeable, trained team, like the one at Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center.
There are various studies into the effectiveness of OIT, along with the many personal success stories from patients of all ages. One study into peanut allergy desensitization in children aged one to three led to 71% of participants achieving desensitization, versus 2% who took a placebo.
A meta-study that looked at peanut, hen’s egg and cow’s milk allergies found that 70–90% of patients were desensitized after completing OIT. The study also acknowledged the better quality of life achieved by the patients and their families due to the reduced risk of severe allergic reactions.
It should also be noted that safety must be a priority in food allergy desensitization treatment and requires the oversight of an experienced allergy doctor. Patients will need to complete food allergy testing and a consultation with an allergist to determine the appropriateness of OIT.
How Does the Oral Immunotherapy Process Work?
A significant number of people impacted by allergies don’t know what oral immunotherapy is, and believe that allergen avoidance is their only option. In reality, OIT is a manageable process for patients willing to commit at least six months or more to the treatment.
During this treatment, patients consume small amounts of the food allergen in gradually increasing doses. Over time, the immune system is retrained through building tolerance. As a result, consuming a maintenance level of the food is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.
Does Food Allergy Desensitization Cure Allergies?
Food allergy desensitization is an effective food allergy treatment for a large number of suitable candidates. However, OIT is not a cure, and sustained tolerance levels are not always maintained. After the treatment is completed, your allergist will advise you on maintaining tolerance through regular consumption of a maintenance dose. And while allergy desensitization is not a cure, it offers a chance for many patients to live without fear of severe allergic reactions from peanuts, eggs, milk, shellfish and other common foods.
Atlanta Area Food Allergy Desensitization Treatments
Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center is Georgia’s leading provider of oral immunotherapy treatment. If you want to discuss allergy desensitization, testing and alternative therapies, we have allergy centers located in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.
