Treatment of allergies

Some allergy physicians have begun to treat certain patients allergic to cow's milk proteins, with treatments based on the periodic administration of increasing doses of milk, starting with very small amounts that the patient tolerates and increasing the amount.

Vaccines such as those used in pollen and hymenoptera are also being investigated for the treatment of allergies. Some examples of these are the vaccines for hazelnut and peanut allergy, among others.

Despite the efforts of doctors and scientists in the search for possible treatments, for most allergic people, the only way to avoid getting sick is not to consume the foods that cause them.

In order to strictly avoid consuming the substance that causes the allergy, it is essential to educate the patient and his family members to:

• Practice a diet of elimination of the causative food.

• Adopt rigorous measures to avoid possible hidden sources of allergens.

General recommendations for allergic patients:

• Know the foods that cause allergic reactions, taking into account that they may be present as part of condiments or ingredients.

• In the cases of having to make a diet that includes many foods, they have to look for food alternatives that cover the nutritional requirements.

• Pay strict attention to food labeling, observing the complete list of ingredients, also considering spices and seasonings.

• Keep in mind that allergens may be hidden in trace amounts in foods that originally do not contain them, as a result of contamination. This happens when substances remain adhered to surfaces, hands, kitchen utensils and then pass to another food, due to inadequate hygiene.

• Contamination of food by hidden allergens can occur anywhere where food is handled, from raw material warehouses to markets, school canteens, restaurants, etc., so it is recommended to eat food prepared at home or in known establishments.

• Allergy sufferers should be aware of the vapors emanating from the cooking of some foods, which especially in enclosed spaces can cause severe reactions.