Other Allergy Treatment Options

As we continue to learn more about mechanisms behind allergy and additional research is done, it opens the possibilities of new treatment modes to address unique patient needs.

With the La Crosse Method™ Protocol, we’ve created a family of protocols that are suited to 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 knowing that there are safe options for treating even the most fragile patients with any number of related issues. That is why we continue to use this as our preferred mode of treatment at Allergy Associates of La Crosse. 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 and assess how or where they may fit with future patient treatment options.

Pharmacotherapy

A number of medications are used to temporarily reduce allergy symptoms, though they do not change the underlying disease. This may include new classes of biologics and many other prescription and over-the-counter medications.

We currently prescribe a number of these in conjunction with disease modifying treatment (allergy drops) in early treatment stages 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

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.

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

Chinese Herbs

Oral mucosal immunotherapy (OMIT) toothpaste