What is an allergy? |
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An allergy is a immune system disorder characterized by abnormal reaction to a substance that is not expected in the average person. The concept of allergy was first introduced and defined in 1906, by a pediatrician from Vienna named von Pirquet, describing abnormal reactions to food, pollen and dust. |
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Why did I develop allergies? |
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The tendency to develop an allergy may have to do with genetics and to repeated exposure to a food or airborne substance. This can allow dander, dust mite and pollen to induce an allergic response from your immune system. Research has implicated a malfunctioning FOXP3 gene, that can affect T cells. These cells can induce tolerance to foreign protein substances that are eaten or inhaled. Certain regulatory T cells appear to be important in preventing damage from inflammation. They can send messages to the immune system to allow safe passage of foreign proteins. It is hoped that further research can produce more functional Treg cells and thus a more tolerant immune system for the allergy sufferer. |
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What areas are affected, and what symptoms can occur from allergies? |
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Delayed T cell mediated immune reactions can affect all body systems, especially respiratory, digestive, vascular, nervous and integumentary (skin). Symptoms from airborne allergies mostly are respiratory, such as nasal congestion, cough and seasonal asthma. Eyes that itch and water (conjunctivitis) is also common. Symptoms from delayed food allergies can affect multiple body systems, and can cause chronic nasal congestion, GI problems, headache, inner ear, and skin itching / eczema / rashes. Multiple gastrointestinal problems can be caused by delayed food allergies. IBS-diarrhea, abdominal bloating and cramping, gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) with itching of the middle of the upper back and trouble swallowing. Recurrent inner ear problems of fluctuating muffled hearing / ear fullness, intermittent ear noise / tinnitus, noise sensitivity and dizziness (Meniere's) have been associated with delayed food allergies. The effectiveness of the Allertol Method in diagnosing and treating symptoms of Meniere's has been documented in a retrospective study of dozens of patients over 2 years. |
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How do sublingual drops work? |
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Food proteins in the allergy drop solution are taken up by Langerhans giant cells in the mouth, which travel via lymphatic channels to lymph nodes in the neck, where T cells of the immune system detect these food proteins, then release anti-inflammatory cytokines. These friendly messenger molecules travel throughout the body reaching all of the body systems. This "down regulates" the immune system and reduces inflammation of body systems, resulting in symptom recuction. |
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Is Sublingual Immunotherapy FDA approved? |
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Yes, the FDA has approved SLIT (sublingual immunotherapy) in the form of tablets for weeds tree and grass allergies. The FDA has approved the extracts used in sublingual immunotherapy many years ago, for skin testing and allergy shots. The FDA permits the medical practitioner to offer allergy drops "off-label" when it is in the best interest of the patient to do so. The safety and convenience of allergy drops is definitely in the patients best interest. |
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Are other FDA approved products being used “off label” by doctors? |
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Yes. The cosmetic use of Botox is an example. Botox was originally approved by the FDA for treatment of muscle spasm. But its “off label” cosmetic use for treating facial wrinkles was commonplace, prior to its final approval by the FDA on April 15, 2002. |
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Does everyone get the same thing in the vial? |
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No. Each individual receives specific dilutions of antigens depending upon history and clinical evaluation. In the case of the airborne allergy vial, results from IgE blood test are used to determine safe starting doses of the various pollens, molds, animal danders, dust mite, etc. |
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Can allergy drops used in the Allertol Method be used to test and treat immediate food allergy? |
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The Allertol Method of testing and treating delayed food allergy symptoms from common foods in the diet is not used for sudden severe immediate food allergy, such as the anaphylactic reaction to peanut. Immediate food allergies are "IgE" mediated, and can be detected in a blood test. Delayed food allergies are "T cell mediated" and can be detected with elimination diets or more easily, the Allertol Method. Blood tests for IgG antibody are useless, as they simply document common dietary foods |
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What can I expect from allergy drops? |
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The food allergy drops used in the Allertol Method test and treat the cause for multiple symptoms. A symptom - relieving solution is determined using small dropper vials over several days This solution is then used in larger "pumper vials" to deliver drops long term. Airborne allergy drops treat the cause for seasonal and perennial airborne allergies, formulated using specific IgE blood tests of regional pollens, animal dander, house dust mites and molds. "Pumper vials" are custom made using this information; the strength is then built up over several months. Food and airborne allergy drops provide safe and effective long lasting solutions for many chronic problems. |
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What alternatives do I have to treating my allergies? |
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AVOIDANCE .MEDICATION IMMUNOTHERAPY FOOD - At this time, the only proven immunotherapy for delayed T cell mediated hypersensitivity immune reactions to common food allergens is the Allertol Method: evaluated since 2007, treating several thousand patients, 2 medical patents, independently evaluated and successfully used by allergy lecturer Neal Rogers, MD. |
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When can I stop taking medications that I have been using to treat allergy problems? |
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As symptoms are relieved, medications can be tapered and then usually stopped. |
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How long should I expect to receive the allergy drops before I am “cured”. |
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Sublingual immunotherapy requires up to 5 years for relief of allergy symptoms. When symptoms are controlled, the drops are tapered from 3 / day --> 2 / day, then eventually 1 / day before immunotherapy is completed. |
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How long will it take before I can notice some relief of my allergy symptoms? |
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Symptoms from delayed food allergies may start to improve as soon as the second day of sublingual drop testing. Relief of symptoms continues to improve over several years of sublingual immunotherapy. Airborne allergy symptoms start to improve by the second month of sublingual immunotherapy. |
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Does it matter if I eat around the same time I take the drops? |
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Do not eat or drink before taking the allergy drops. Drops are best upon awakening, afternoon, and bedtime. The afternoon drop can be taken up to 5 minutes before eating. |
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Besides molecules of food or airborne antigens, and sterile water, what else is in the allergy drop vial? |
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Pure glycerin from a plant source, as a preservative. |
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Have there been severe anaphylactic reactions / deaths from using allergy drops or shots? |
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In 2007, a 15 year literature review reported by Dr. Leatherman from Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, there have been no life-threatening reactions reported with allergy drops. Food allergy drops are not given to patients with a history of anaphylactic reactions to common foods. Millions of allergy drops have been given safely to patients. |
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Can food allergy drops cause symptoms to worsen? |
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During food allergy drop testing, common symptoms can worsen temporarily, when the dilution being tested is too strong. This is considered a positive test, and requires weaker dilutions be used for further testing. By far, the most common reaction is multi-symptom relief ! |
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What is concomitant food allergy? |
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Certain foods, when eaten during your allergy season, can make your allergies worse. |
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• Allergy Drop Test Vials
& Treatment Pumper Vials
• Quest or LabCorp Test Forms
Rogers, Neal MD Otolaryngologist
202 S Montana St, Butte, MT 59701
Phone: 406-723-6526
Link to Map with Directions
Shea, John P. MD Otolaryngologist
11797 South Fwy, Ste 132, Burleson, TX 76028
Phone: 817-551-1010
SheaENT.com
Link to Map with Directions