Your allergy treatment plan is individualized based on your test results and may include avoidance of suspected allergens (common when treating food allergy), and/or environmental and lifestyle modifications. Some allergies can be controlled by nutritional supplements such as quercetin or the hormone cortisol. Many allergens such as dust, mold and pollen are unavoidable and often require specific treatment (immunotherapy), where small amounts of the offending allergen are given over a period of time, usually building up the body’s tolerance to that allergen. Immunotherapy is given in one of three ways:
1. Allergy shots which you can receive weekly in our office
2. LDA (low dose allergens), an enhanced low-dose enzyme-enhanced immunotherapy, an updated version of the European treatment EPD (Enzyme Potentiated Desensitization). This method works well for all types of allergies, sensitivities and intolerances to inhalants (dust, mites, molds, pollens, etc), foods, chemicals and bacteria. It is administered by intradermal injections which are given every two months to start and less frequently as tolerance is achieved.
3. Sublingual (under the tongue) drops for use at home
Conventional treatments, such as antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays/inhalers, may be utilized initially with the eventual goal of decreasing reliance on these treatments. When allergy treatment is continued on a regular basis, it is common for the level of reactivity to gradually decrease over the course of treatment. Some allergies resolve with time and/or treatment, however most individuals require continuing treatment, although at a reduced frequency, in order to maintain a symptom-free lifestyle. Whichever treatment you use, it is important to stay with the program; we seek to eliminate allergic reactions in three to four years of treatment or less.