What are the possible risks associated with oral immunotherapy?

It's important to know all the aspects of managing health as a nutritionist or dietician. Oral immunotherapy is one of the therapies used to manage food allergies. In this article, we will explore the potential risks of oral immunotherapy. This article will explore the importance of oral immunotherapy, as well as how to start and what risks you should be aware of. We're ready to dive right in!

Oral immunotherapy: Understanding the risks is important

It is used as a way to help people become less sensitive to allergens in food. Under medical supervision, the patient is required to ingest increasing quantities of a food allergen until their body can tolerate them. It's also not risk-free. A study in JAMA network open found that 98% of oral immunotherapy patients experienced some sort of reaction. This could be mild or severe.

By being informed of these risks, we can weigh their potential benefit against them and make an informed decision regarding treatment. Oral immunotherapy, for example, may reduce anxiety about accidental exposure to allergies, but it is also linked to a higher anaphylaxis rate compared with avoidance and placebo.

Important Points for Getting Started

It's important to have a thorough discussion with your doctor before beginning oral immunotherapy. Due to the potential risks, oral immunotherapy is only recommended by board-certified allergy doctors.

The patient should be made aware of the fact that this treatment requires an extensive time commitment, and strict compliance with the dosage schedule. To ensure efficacy and safety, regular monitoring is essential.

Oral immunotherapy to treat food allergies: Risks

More Tips and Suggestions

Oral immunotherapy may not be suitable for all. You may be at higher risk if you have severe asthma. It's important to talk about all options with your doctor. Remember that, while oral immunotherapy may reduce your fear of accidentally exposing yourself to allergens but it is not a cure, for food allergies. The safest approach is to avoid known allergens.

Conclusion

Oral immunotherapy is a promising way to manage food allergies. However, there are risks. This includes severe allergic reactions and gastrointestinal problems, as well as an increase in overall allergy symptoms. Before beginning this treatment, it's important that anyone who is considering the procedure fully understands these risks. Knowledge is key when managing your own health.

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