Strategic Allergy Management and Low-dose Immunotherapy

Allergies are primarily characterized by

• itching skin

• hives or rashes

• Itchy, red, runny nose, eyes, ears and palate

• sneezing, stuffy nose or pressure in the sinuses

• breathing difficulty: asthma, wheezing, phlegm production, cough

These symptoms are reactions typically to environmental exposures:

Outdoor and seasonal -- grasses, trees, pollens, molds, ragweed

Indoor -- dust, dust mites, mold spores, animal danders

Foods -- can be from contact (rash on the face or hands), inhalation of food proteins or ingestion through eating

Conventional or standard medical treatments are often tiered, starting with gentler treatments and moving to stronger interventions and testing if symptom relief isn't achieved.

• steroid nasal sprays

• oral anti-histamines like Reactine, Claritin, Aerius

• skin prick testing with an allergist (MD)

• inhalers for asthma symptoms or cough such as Symbicort

• oral immunotherapy is a daily small dose for food allergy reduction

• allergy shots over a long period of time (allergists only)

  
  

  

  
  

Complementary & Alternative Allergy Treatment Strategy

Overall, the goal is to "lower the load" meaning we want there to be less allergy burden AND we want less reactivity with exposures. We often use the analogy of an overflowing bucket. It is helpful to reduce filling the bucket AND to open the taps.

• If possible, avoiding or minimizing exposure to suspected allergens.

• Testing for food sensitivities in order to guide food choices

• Enhanced air filtration and cleaning your home and car often (especially the bedroom)

• Supplements can play roles such as mast cell stabilizers, acting like gentler, natural anti-histamine agents.

• Botanical/Herbal medicines as teas, capsules or liquid tinctures to modulate the immune system

• Topical treatments such as eye drops, nasal sprays and creams

• Low-dose allergen therapy / Low-dose immunotherapy

  
  

  Low dose Immunotherapy

  
  

  LDA/LDI an oral liquid treatment based on the principles of homeopathy: a low dose exposure to a substance, especially delivered under the tongue, can teach the immune system to tolerate rather than react to that allergen or histamine trigger.

LDI can be used to treat the following:

• Allergies

• Skin concerns: eczema, rashes, chronic hives

• Reactivity to indoor molds

• Immune flares in response to hormone fluctuations

• Digestive flare-ups, especially pain, vomiting or frequent loose stools

• Chemical and scent sensitivities

• Pediatric allergy concerns: FPIES, itchy skin, persistent gut concerns

Advantages of Immunotherapy

1. Non-invasive. Drops are administered under the tongue. No injections.

2. Excellent safety record.

3. Able to administer at home.

4. More control over dose. Treatment can be easily tailored to response.

5. Less reliance on pharmaceutical allergy management

6. Administered every 5-8 weeks (typically results wear off around 7 weeks post-treatment).

Disadvantages of Immunotherapy

1. Not covered by most insurance plans, despite its excellent safety record and cost effectiveness. Considered a supplement.

2. Varying dosing regimens. Must be tailored to individual patient. May take a few months to find the best allergen mix and dose strength.

3. Conventional allergists do not generally advocate for LDI therapy

4. Rare but possible temporary flare-up in allergic symptoms (typically 48 hours or less)

Contact our clinic for more details and to book a visit for allergy management options.

www.somersethealth.ca