by Allergy Partners
January 10, 2025
Is There a Cure for Allergies? No, But…
It’s possible to enjoy life as close to symptom-free from allergies as possible with the right therapeutic interventions and environmental controls. Numerous treatments – chief among them, allergy shots (immunotherapy) — offer significant relief and are excellent interventions and management tools. What’s more, new treatments on the horizon might also be food allergy game-changers. Here’s what you need to know about allergy treatments.
When you have allergies, it can feel like your nose is under attack; when the seasons change, your body feels like it’s in full-on revolt. Read more about the most common allergy and asthma triggers.
It’s frustrating. It’s hard to enjoy anything when you’re constantly reaching for a tissue. Moreover, if you have food allergies, you might be continually anxious about accidental exposure to a potentially unlabeled, harmful ingredient. It can have a significant effect on your normal routine and overall mood.
And you’re certainly not alone.
What are Allergies?
Allergies are literally everywhere; while certain regions experience food allergies at a lower rate than others, allergies of all kinds affect people on a global scale.
It is considered an allergic response when the immune system overreacts to certain matter that is inhaled, eaten, injected, or applied to the skin.
The Immune Response to Allergens Vs. Infections
When people with allergies are exposed to an allergen, their immune system mistakenly identifies the substance as harmful. This response triggers the production of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These antibodies accelerate the release of histamine, causing an allergic reaction. The symptoms of this reaction can range from mild (sneezing, itching) to severe (anaphylaxis).
This immune response differs significantly from the body’s reaction to infections. Infections typically trigger the production of different antibodies, like Immunoglobulin G (IgG), which help fight off pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Unlike the IgE response, which causes allergic symptoms, the IgG response aids in eliminating infectious agents without causing the same type of inflammatory response seen in allergies.
Types of Allergens and Their Symptoms
Allergens can enter the body in various ways, and the symptoms of an allergic reaction depend on the type of allergen and the entry route. Allergens enter the body through the following pathways:
- Inhalation: Pollen, dust mites, and pet dander are common airborne allergens. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.
- Ingestion: Food allergens, such as peanuts, shellfish, and dairy, can cause symptoms like hives, swelling, and gastrointestinal issues. Severe food allergies can cause anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal response where the blood pressure drops suddenly and the airways constrict, inhibiting respiration (breathing).
- Injection: Insect stings and certain medications can cause reactions ranging from localized swelling to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
- Contact: Skin allergens, such as latex and certain metals, can result in rashes, burning, itching, or blistering.
Can You Outgrow Allergies?
It’s complicated. Allergies can change! How allergies change depends on several factors, such as a person’s age, type of allergy, and even where they live. Learn more about how allergies change over the course of our lives and the role of genetics here.
Infants tend to be more prone to food allergies and other types of allergies. For some common foods, such as egg or milk, most infants will outgrow their allergies in the first couple years of life. However, children allergic to peanuts and tree nuts are far less likely to outgrow these allergies. On the other hand, allergies to fish and shellfish frequently arise later in life and tend to be lifelong.
Environmental allergies to things such as pollen or dust mites, on the other hand, tend to develop in younger children. These allergies can actually get worse and involve more allergens through early childhood. In late adulthood, however, many find that their nasal allergy symptoms improved. Moving to a different part of the country can also temporarily improve allergy symptoms as the person is exposed to different pollens. After the move, however, very allergic people may develop new sensitivities to the pollens in that part of the country.
While some people’s allergies diminish as they age, the reverse can also be true; people who have never had allergies can suddenly develop them later in life. The reasons for this are not entirely clear but may involve changes in the immune system, environmental factors, or genetic predispositions.
What’s the Best Thing to Take for Allergies?
While there is no cure for allergies, various treatments can help manage symptoms.
Medications include the following:
- Antihistamines: These medications block histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms. They are available over-the-counter and by prescription in oral, nasal spray, and eye drop forms.
- Decongestants: These medications relieve nasal congestion by shrinking swollen nasal tissues. They are available in oral and nasal spray forms but should not be used long-term.
- Nasal Corticosteroids: These nasal sprays reduce inflammation and are highly effective for treating allergic rhinitis. They are available by prescription and over-the-counter.
- Leukotriene Modifiers: These medications block the action of leukotrienes, chemicals that cause inflammation and mucus production. They are used to treat allergic rhinitis and asthma.
Allergen Immunotherapy
Allergen immunotherapy, commonly known as allergy shots, is a long-term therapeutic option for people suffering from allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, stinging insect allergies, eye allergies, or eczema. This treatment involves gradually increasing allergen doses to help the immune system build tolerance.
Allergen immunotherapy works by exposing the body to small, controlled amounts of the allergen, which helps the immune system become less reactive over time. This process can lead to a significant reduction in allergy symptoms and can also prevent the development of new allergies.
The treatment is divided into two main phases:
- Build-Up Phase: During this phase, the allergen injections are given approximately once or twice weekly and can last between three and six months. This phase aims to gradually desensitize the immune system to the specific allergens.
- Maintenance Phase: After the build-up phase, the maintenance phase begins. In this phase, shots are administered once or twice per month. This phase can continue for several years, depending on the individual’s response to treatment.
What are the Benefits of Allergy Shots?
One of the key benefits of allergy shots is that they reduce allergen sensitivity even after the course of treatment is completed. Allergen desensitization means that patients can experience long-term relief from their allergy symptoms
Who Can Get Allergy Shots?
Both adults and children can receive allergy shots, making it a versatile treatment option for a wide range of patients.
How Effective are Allergy Shots?
Allergy shots are typically effective in significantly reducing symptoms. In young children, allergy shots can even prevent them from developing new allergies and reduce the risk of developing asthma.
What About Allergy Drops?
Allergy shots aren’t for everyone. For some, an alternative form of immunotherapy called sublingual immunotherapy may be a better option. In this form of immunotherapy, drops or dissolvable tablets are administered under the tongue daily to build up immunity. An allergist can help guide which therapy is best for each person
Are there Medications for Food Allergies?
The traditional treatment for food allergies has always been avoidance of the allergic food along with access to emergency treatment. Epinephrine autoinjectors (EpiPens) are the most common and widely available treatments for anaphylaxis. However, new therapeutics are currently available that might prevent life-threatening food allergies.
Omalizumab, marketed under the brand name Xolair, is a monoclonal antibody that has been recently FDA-approved for the treatment of several allergic conditions, including IgE-mediated food allergies. This biologic therapy targets and reduces levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), a key player in allergic reactions.
While omalizumab may be prescribed to inhibit the most severe allergic reaction to accidental food allergen ingestion, patients must continue to avoid foods that cause an allergic response. However, the medication significantly reduces the likelihood of anaphylaxis.
Omalizumab is also used as a therapeutic for the following allergies:
- Allergic Asthma: Allergic asthma is a condition where allergens trigger inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing.
- Chronic Hives: Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU), also known as chronic hives, is characterized by itchy, red welts on the skin that last for more than six weeks without an identifiable cause.
- Nasal Polyps: Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths in the nasal passages that can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and loss of smell.
Can immunotherapy help with food allergies?
Yes! Over the last several years, there has been a lot of progress made and effectively treating food allergies with immunotherapy. There are currently two methods of immunotherapy – oral and sublingual l–to reduce the risk of allergic reactions with accidental exposure to foods.
In oral immunotherapy the allergic person was initially given very small doses of the food to which they are allergic. Over the course of several months, the amount is gradually increased with the goal of achieving a level of tolerance that makes the risk of allergic reaction much lower. Currently, there is an FDA-approved oral immunotherapy treatment for peanut allergy called Palforzia. For other foods, allergist use food products such as milk or liquid egg whites to treat these allergies by oral immunotherapy.
With sublingual immunotherapy, an allergic person is given a very small amount of the food they are allergic to as drops under the tongue. As with oral immunotherapy, there is an initial buildup phase with a dose that is gradually increased. Once the patient has reached the top dose, they are continued on daily dosing. Over time, tolerance gradually builds up to the point that the allergist will recommend an in-office oral challenge to measure the degree of tolerance.
Working with an allergist is the key first step to determining the best strategy for managing your food allergies.
Allergy Partners: Offering Effective Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Severe Allergies
At Allergy Partners, we are dedicated to providing effective immunotherapy solutions for anyone suffering from allergies. Our commitment to excellence and patient-centered care sets us apart as a leader in allergy treatment.
If you are struggling with allergies, please contact our helpful representatives to schedule a comprehensive consultation with our board-certified allergy specialists.