The Food Allergy Institute of North Texas is observing May as food allergy awareness month and is stressing new and innovative therapies available for the 15 million Americans who suffer from food allergies, sometimes with life threatening implications.
The Institute, located in Flower Mound, now offers Oral Immunotherapy (OIT), support group therapy and dietitian services.
Until recently, the only solution for food allergies was strict avoidance of the allergen. The new Oral Immunotherapy is a form of desensitization which involves consuming gradually increased amounts of the allergic foods over around six months, resulting in desensitizing allergic individuals to these foods. The goal is to desensitize the patient so they can safely consume the food and no longer have to avoid it for fear of having an anaphylactic reaction. Once this therapy is completed it reduces fear, worry, anxiety and overall improved quality of life for the patient.
Food allergies can frequently be frustrating and even frightening to individuals. The Food Allergy Institute offers a monthly support group meeting that is open to the community and gives individuals with food allergies the opportunity to connect and share with others. In addition, they have a registered dietitian who can assist those with food allergies to easier navigate the daily challenges to their diet and nutritional needs.
The Food Allergy Institute of North Texas, staffed by nurses and physicians, is a clinic dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of food allergies. Each patient will undergo a thorough history and physical examination followed by the appropriate diagnostic testing. Patients five years old and up are eligible for the Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) program.
For more information, visit www.foodallergynorthtexas.org or call 972-539-0086 and ask for Amanda.
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