How Do You Treat Food Allergies in Adults?

Introduction

Living with severe food allergies as an adult poses unique challenges that demand a proactive, personalized approach to management. Unlike childhood food allergies, adult food allergies are typically lifelong and require continuous care. For residents of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, NY Food Allergy & Wellness offers the FATE™ (Food Allergy Tolerance Enhancement) Program, spearheaded by Dr. Atul Shah. This advanced program aims to help adults manage and potentially desensitize their food allergies through personalized treatment strategies. In this blog, we’ll explore the available methods for treating food allergies in adults and how Dr. Shah’s FATE™ Program has changed the lives of thousands of food allergy families.

Understanding Adult Food Allergies

Adults can have food allergies that persisted since childhood onset (not out grown in childhood). Adult-onset food allergies can develop suddenly, even in those who have never experienced allergic reactions before. Common triggers include nuts, shellfish, dairy, and certain fruits, which can cause anything from mild symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Effective management requires a comprehensive approach, including avoidance, emergency preparedness, and in many cases, desensitization treatments like Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) and Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT). The FDA has approved biologic injections like Omalizumab (Xolair) to reduce the risk of reactions from accidental ingestion.

The Complexity of Adult-Onset Food Allergies

One of the biggest challenges with adult-onset food allergies is their unpredictability. An individual might suddenly become allergic to a food they’ve consumed safely for years, leading to significant lifestyle changes, anxiety, and the fear of accidental exposure. Moreover, adults can develop multiple food allergies at once, further complicating management. Dr. Shah’s FATE™ Program is designed to address these complexities with a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

The FATE™ Brochure

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A comprehensive breakdown of our life changing program.

The FATE™ Program: A Tailored Approach to Food Allergy Treatment

The FATE™ (Food Allergy Tolerance Enhancement) Program offers a structured, personalized approach to help patients build tolerance to specific allergens. The program comprises several key components:

1. Initial Consultation and Comprehensive Allergy Assessment

The journey to managing food allergies begins with a thorough initial consultation. Dr. Shah conducts an in-depth evaluation of the patient’s medical history, dietary habits, and symptoms. This comprehensive assessment forms the foundation of a customized treatment plan. The consultation may include advanced diagnostic tests, such as the Basophil Activation Test (BAT) and Oral Food Challenges (OFC), to accurately identify the allergens involved.

2. Advanced Diagnostic Testing: Precision in Allergy Diagnosis

Advanced diagnostic testing is crucial to the success of the FATE™ Program. The Basophil Activation Test (BAT) is particularly useful in complex cases where traditional skin or blood tests may not provide clear results. This test measures the activation of basophils (a type of white blood cell) when exposed to potential allergens, helping to precisely identify triggers.

Another vital tool is the Oral Food Challenge (OFC), considered the gold standard in food allergy testing. During an OFC, the patient consumes gradually increasing amounts of the suspected allergen under strict medical supervision. This test not only confirms the presence of an allergy but also helps determine the reaction's severity, providing essential information for the treatment plan.

3. Desensitization Therapies: Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) and Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)

At the heart of the FATE™ Program are its desensitization therapies—Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) and Oral Immunotherapy (OIT). These therapies involve the controlled introduction of allergens into the patient’s system to build tolerance over time.

Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): An Alternative to OIT
For patients who may not be candidates for OIT, SLIT offers a less invasive alternative. In SLIT, the allergen is administered in liquid or tablet form and held under the tongue for a few minutes before swallowing. This method is ideal for those who are needle-phobic or prefer a treatment that can be managed at home. While SLIT is generally less aggressive than OIT, it can still lead to significant desensitization over time.

Oral Immunotherapy (OIT): A Path to Tolerance
OIT is a promising treatment for adults with severe food allergies. The process begins with administering tiny amounts of the allergen, gradually increasing the dosage under strict medical supervision. The goal is to reach a maintenance dose that the patient can tolerate without triggering an allergic reaction. This treatment has shown significant success in desensitizing patients to common allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, milk, and eggs.

Biologic Injections: Omalizumab (Xolair)
The FDA has approved anti-IgE antibody injections for foo dallergy to reduce the risk of reactions from accidental exposure.

4. Ongoing Monitoring and Personalized Care

A distinctive feature of the FATE™ Program is the continuous support and personalized care provided to each patient. Dr. Shah and his team closely monitor each patient’s progress, adjusting the treatment plan as necessary. Regular follow-up appointments ensure that the patient is responding well to therapy, and any concerns are promptly addressed. This personalized approach not only enhances the chances of successful desensitization but also provides peace of mind for patients.

5. Achieving Food Allergy Freedom

The ultimate goal of the FATE™ Program is to help patients achieve "Food Allergy Freedom." While this does not mean the allergies are cured, it allows patients to live without the constant fear of severe reactions. Many patients who complete the FATE™ Program report significant improvements in their quality of life, enjoying a broader range of foods and participating more fully in social activities without anxiety.

Dr. Shah’s Success with Adult Patients: A Proven Track Record

Dr. Shah’s success with adult patients underscores the effectiveness of the FATE™ Program. Many adults turn to NY Food Allergy & Wellness after years of unsuccessful treatments elsewhere. Through the FATE™ Program, these patients find relief and regain a sense of normalcy. Dr. Shah’s approach is particularly effective for those with multiple food allergies or those who developed allergies later in life. The program’s success is reflected in several positive patient testimonials and a high rate of referrals from other allergists.

Dr. Atul Shah

When it comes to Adults with Food Allergies, Dr. Shah is leading the way.

Dr. Shah is dedicated to educating patients and the broader community about food allergies. He has authored children’s books, produced educational videos, and participates in speaking engagements to share his knowledge and expertise. His commitment to education helps patients better understand their conditions and treatment options. Dr. Shah maintains a blog dedicated to discussing various topics surrounding food allergies, while offering valuable insights and up-to-date information for patients and their families. Additionally, his website offers extensive information on each level of the FATE™ Program, details on individual allergies, a 24/7 streaming webinar, over 80 success videos, numerous educational videos on various allergy-related topics, and much more.

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FAQ Section

1. How do you treat food allergies in adults?
Food allergies in adults are typically managed through strict allergen avoidance, emergency medications like epinephrine for severe reactions, and desensitization therapies such as Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) and Oral Immunotherapy (OIT). These therapies aim to build tolerance to specific allergens over time, potentially reducing the severity of reactions. The FDA has approved biologic injections like Omalizumab (Xolair) to reduce the risk of reactions from accidental ingestion.

Sources:

• American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (AAAAI)

• Mayo Clinic

• NYFA

2. How to get rid of food allergies fast?
There is no quick fix for food allergies, as they are generally lifelong conditions. However, desensitization therapies like SLIT and OIT can reduce the severity of allergic reactions over time. These treatments require commitment and medical supervision, and are not overnight solutions.

Sources:

• Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)

• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

• NYFA

3. What are 5 ways to manage food allergies?

• Avoidance: The most effective method is to avoid known allergens completely.

• Medication: Carry emergency medications like antihistamines and epinephrine auto-injectors. The FDA has approved biologic injections like Omalizumab (Xolair) to reduce the risk of reactions from accidental ingestion.

• Desensitization: Participate in desensitization therapies like SLIT or OIT under a specialist’s guidance.

• Education: Learn to read food labels, recognize symptoms early, and seek medical help promptly.

• Support: Engage in support groups and maintain regular consultations with an allergist.

Sources:

• American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (ACAAI)

• Cleveland Clinic

• NYFA

4. What will destroy food allergens?
Currently, there is no method to completely eliminate food allergens from the body. Heat treatment can reduce the allergenicity of some foods, like milk and eggs, making them less reactive for some patients. The peanut allergen becomes more reactive with roasting. Desensitization therapies like SLIT and OIT help the immune system become more tolerant, reducing reaction severity.

Sources:

• American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (AAAAI)

• Mayo Clinic

• Dr. Shah and NYFA

5. How do you flush allergens out of your system?
Allergens are naturally processed out of the body over time, typically within hours to a few days, depending on exposure levels. Drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding further exposure, and taking antihistamines can help manage symptoms as allergens are flushed out.

Sources:

• National Institutes of Health (NIH)

• Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)

6. How do you get food allergies out of your system?
Food allergies cannot be completely eliminated, but desensitization treatments like SLIT and OIT can help the immune system build tolerance, potentially reducing the severity of allergic reactions and allowing for more dietary freedom. Many of our adult patients have reached cross contamination protection (“bite-proof”) and free-eating under comprehensive FATE program.

Sources:

• American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (ACAAI)

• Dr. Shah & NYFA team

• Cleveland Clinic