Our providers are always striving to find the most medically-advanced, breakthrough therapies that will provide long-term, effective change. All of our treatments are personalized to each patient’s specific needs because we understand that like your health, the therapy you receive cannot be a one-size-fits-all solution.
Biologic Therapies: Biologic therapies are synthetic proteins called monoclonal antibodies that block inflammatory mediators that are involved in various conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema (atopic dermatitis). These treatments are meant to reduce systemic steroid use and improve severe conditions. Current biologics include but are not limited to include:
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is a notable protein in our bodies that protects against bacterial and viral infections. They produce antibodies that recognize foreign antigens and bind to them to make them more easily identifiable and aid in their destruction. People with primary immune deficiencies may have an impaired quantity or function of IgG which contributes to an increased frequency and severity of infections. IgG replacement therapy is a suitable option for these patients. Our physicians coordinate with trusted infusion centers to ensure that a regular treatment plan is maintained.
Subcutaneous Allergen Immunotherapy: Allergy shots are a form of allergen desensitization, which serves as a long-term, therapeutic treatment for your allergy symptoms! Starting at low dilutions and working to the top, your immune system becomes tolerant to what it was allergic to. This works 80% of the time in improving allergic rhinitis (e.g. hay fever) and asthma symptoms. Treatment duration is 3-5 years. Patients have the option to choose from standard vs cluster (rapid desensitization) immunotherapy.
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): Sublingual immunotherapy can be an effective alternative to subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy to environmental allergens. This treatment can be done at the comfort of your own home as there is less risk of anaphylaxis. Furthermore, they are stored at room temperature which makes them convenient for travel. An individual places a droplet of what they are allergic to on a daily basis for a 3-5 year duration. Just as subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy, they work 80% of the time in improving allergic rhinitis (e.g. hayfever) and asthma symptoms.
Similar to allergen immunotherapy, drug desensitization consists of exposing your body to small, increasing doses of the drug that you’re allergic to in order to build up a tolerance to it. In many cases, drug allergies can produce anaphylactic or a severe response, but these drugs may be necessary for your health. Aspirin, for example, maybe a necessary drug for people who need it as a blood thinner. By conducting this in a controlled clinical environment, we slowly reintroduce your body to the drug in small doses over a fixed time interval while monitoring symptoms and ensuring reactions are not occurring. By doing so, the patient can return to taking the medication with no issues!
These muffins are both delicious and desirable to the child and mask any taste of the allergen itself. During food challenges, we give graded doses of the food while monitoring their heart rate, blood pressure, and symptoms over the course of 3-4 hours.
