POLLEN COUNT
Allergies are a common issue that millions of people suffer from. While some people develop allergies as adults, it is more common to develop them during childhood. One common question patients with allergies have is whether they can outgrow allergies. The answer to this question is: sometimes.
Common Allergens
It is very common for children and adults to have allergies, and there are a variety of substances and foods that you can be allergic to. It could be allergic rhinitis, which refers to allergies to certain substances like ragweed and pollen, or a food allergy to peanuts.
Some of the most common food allergies include:
- Wheat
- Soy
- Milk
- Eggs
- Tree nuts
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Peanuts
You can also be allergic to certain chemicals that are commonly found in items such as soap, lotion, sunscreen, or latex. Finally, you can be allergic to certain medications. The most common way that parents figure out their child is allergic to something is when they come into contact with the allergen and an allergic reaction is triggered.
Patients may get a stuffy nose, sneeze, and develop mucus when an allergic reaction occurs. Others develop a skin rash, hives, abdominal pain, and digestive problems. For people with severe allergies, it is possible to go into anaphylactic shock when exposed to the allergen. This is common in those allergic to bee stings and peanuts.
Outgrowing Allergies
As you get older, you may gradually outgrow your food allergy. The symptoms you experience when exposed to the food will decrease in the severity or completely cease to occur. There are many children who are able to outgrow certain food allergies by the time they reach adulthood. This occurs when the immune system no longer recognizes the food as a foreign threat. As a result, it no longer releases histamines in the body, which are responsible for triggering allergy symptoms.
While some people are able to outgrow food allergies on their own, most work with an allergist to get this done through oral immunotherapy.
Oral Immunotherapy
Oral immunotherapy (OIT) involves gradually desensitizing the body of a food allergen. This results in the patient no longer suffering severe allergic reactions to the food in question. This means that when an allergic reaction happens, it will be significantly less severe. For instance, a person who is allergic to peanuts will no longer have a severe anaphylactic reaction when exposed. In some cases, patients may be able to completely eliminate allergy symptoms.
While OIT is not a “cure” to an allergy, it comes pretty close. By gradually introducing tiny amounts of the allergen to the body while under the supervision of the allergist, the body learns to recognize and ignore the substance. Over time, the amount of food given to the patient will increase as the body begins to adjust and not see it as a threat. When OIT is performed correctly, it can successfully reduce or eliminate allergic reactions to certain foods. This can allow you to enjoy any food you want without having to worry about discomfort or a serious medical issue developing.
Why Choose an Allergist from One of Our Illinois Practices
At Oak Brook Allergists, we understand that allergies can have a significant impact on your quality of life. This is why we offer not only allergy management techniques, medications, and treatments, but also oral immunotherapy. Our experts can help you outgrow your food allergy, so you can eat and drink without limitations.
Oak Brook Allergists serves patients in Naperville, Downer’s Grove, Elmhurst, Plainfield, and nearby areas. Make an appointment today by calling (630) 574-0460 or by using our online contact form.
