As we learn more about how allergies work and associated research, it opens the possibilities of new treatment options to treat patient needs.
That’s what led us to developing the La Crosse Method™ Protocol to safely address the wide range of allergic conditions and patient needs. By using patient-specific dosing based on precise testing, history and exams, we can feel comfortable treating even the most fragile patients with any number of related issues. Learn more about the latest research supporting treatment options.
In recent years, treatment options in addition to allergy drops and allergy shots have gained interest. We continue to monitor those to see how or where they may fit with future treatment options.
Pharmacotherapy
Several medications can temporarily reduce allergy symptoms, but don’t change the underlying disease. This may include new biologics, other prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.
We currently prescribe a number of these with allergy drops early in treatment to help patients manage symptoms until allergic tolerance grows and symptoms are reduced.
Allergy shots, injections, or Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT)
Allergy shots work similarly to allergy drops, with a goal to change the underlying allergic disease by slowly building permanent tolerance to allergens.
Allergy shots are typically not indicated for young children, patients with food allergies, or those with uncontrolled asthma and other health conditions.
Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly office visits are scheduled to deliver shots; patients are typically required to be monitored in the doctor’s office for 30 minutes after receiving an allergy shot in case of minor to severe reactions.
Sublingual Immunotherapy Tablets
Single antigen options for grass, ragweed and dust mite are currently approved; others under development.
Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)
Though both OIT and SLIT are delivered orally, the mechanisms behind OIT and allergy drops (SLIT) differ. Because of these differences, OIT may not be indicated for some patients based on other conditions, allergy severity and age.
A reason for selecting one over the other is the goal of treatment – especially for those whose food allergies are life threatening.
If the goal of treatment is to gain enough tolerance that an accidental exposure wouldn’t cause a significant life-threatening reaction (especially for those with life-threatening food allergy), then sublingual immunotherapy may be favored.
For many patients, re-introducing foods may be accomplished after successful treatment.
If the treatment goal is to gain enough tolerance that items such as peanut can be eaten on a daily basis in significant amounts, then oral immunotherapy may be favored as the treatment becomes more widely studied and available, however long-term tolerance without ongoing treatment has not been demonstrated with OIT.
Biologics
Biologics are monoclonal antibodies that target specific components of allergic inflammation. They are highly effective and lead to improved allergy symptom control and weaning from steroids, however they are typically used long term in order to keep the benefit.
Biologics are indicated for use by those dealing with:
- Persistent asthma
- Severe eczema
- Nasal polyps
- Eosinophilic esophagitis
Biologics have also been developed that can be used for these same conditions even when allergies or eosinophils are not involved. Because biologic medications have continued to improve, patients can administer them on their own, usually every two or four weeks.
Peanut and other allergen patches
Currently in trials.
Chinese Herbs
We have found that using these along with the La Crosse Method Protocol has been helpful for several of our patients and hope to have more results to report in the future.
Oral mucosal immunotherapy (OMIT) toothpaste
Antigens are formulated with toothpaste and delivered to the oral mucosa through tooth brushing.
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