What Are Food Allergies?

Food allergies occur when the immune system misidentifies harmless food proteins as threats, triggering an abnormal response. When someone with a food allergy consumes food containing those allergenic proteins, their immune system goes into overdrive, releasing antibodies to combat foreign substances. One of the substances that the immune system releases during an allergic reaction is histamine, which causes allergy symptoms. 

Symptoms of food allergies vary widely in severity and may include: 

• Skin Reactions: Itching, hives, eczema, or swelling (angioedema) of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or cramping 
• Respiratory Symptoms: Sneezing, runny nose, congestion, coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath 
• Cardiovascular Symptoms: Rapid heartbeat, drop in blood pressure, or fainting (in severe cases) 
• Anaphylaxis: A severe allergic reaction in which the body reacts strongly and quickly to an allergen, causing severe symptoms such as breathing problems, swelling in the throat, a fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, and fainting.

In Texas, where food is deeply ingrained in cultural traditions, navigating food allergies without expert guidance can be quite distressing. Understanding the symptoms and potential severity of food allergies is crucial for Texans to stay safe and healthy, especially when dining out or attending social gatherings where allergens may be present. 

Read More: Here’s How Food Allergies Are Diagnosed

The Rise of Xolair in Food Allergy Treatment

Traditional approaches to managing food allergies involve strict avoidance of trigger foods and carrying emergency medication like epinephrine. Even the most diligent patient practicing these strict avoidance measures may have occasional reactions due to cross-contamination with their allergen or changes in manufacturing or preparation of the food they’ve previously tolerated. While avoidance measures and carrying life-saving medications are crucial for anyone with serious food allergies, they don’t address the underlying immune response. This is where Xolair, also known as omalizumab, comes in.

For over two decades, Xolair has been a trusted ally in the fight against asthma, offering relief and stability to countless individuals. Now, this innovative medication is showing similar success in treating food allergies, transforming the landscape of allergy treatment.

It is important to state that Xolair is not a cure for food allergy. Avoidance is still required, but it does offer a degree of protection for severely allergic individuals. In studies submitted to the FDA for approval, approximately two-thirds of peanut, milk, or egg allergic subjects treated with Xolair for 16-20 weeks were able to tolerate ½ teaspoon of peanut butter, two tablespoons of milk, and ¼ of an egg respectively without moderate to severe allergic symptoms. Similarly, a little more than 40% of cashew allergic patients were able to tolerate three and a half cashews without moderate to severe symptoms. Xolair works by binding to immunoglobulin E (IgE), the antibody that causes allergic reactions, and preventing cells from releasing histamine that would cause allergic symptoms. Through this process, Xolair helps reduce the severity of allergic reactions and improve the quality of life of people with IgE-mediated food allergies. 

How Is Xolair Administered to Patients?

Allergists administer Xolair via injection every two to four weeks; dosing is based on patient weight and the amount of IgE circulating in the patient’s blood. Like any medication, Xolair comes with minor risks and potential side effects, which your allergist will discuss with you. 

For Texans with severe food allergies, Xolair offers newfound freedom and confidence to enjoy meals without constant fear or anxiety. 

Benefits of Xolair for Food Allergy Patients

1. Reduced Risk of Severe Reactions

Through meticulous clinical studies, Xolair has emerged as a reliable ally in the battle against food allergies. Instead of relieving food allergy reactions when they occur, Xolair neutralizes the responsible antibodies, addressing the allergic response at its core. This mechanism significantly reduces the frequency and severity of IgE-mediated allergic episodes, improving allergy management and offering some peace of mind to individuals with severe food allergies.

    2. Improved Quality of Life

One of Xolair's most profound effects is its ability to restore a sense of normalcy to those with food allergies. By providing a more robust solution for accidental allergen exposure, Xolair empowers patients to engage in social activities involving food without constant apprehension. Though people with severe food allergies should still avoid foods they are allergic to, Xolair treatment helps them navigate food-related social gatherings with newfound confidence, knowing that Xolair has their back.

   3. Decreased Reliance on Emergency Medication

For individuals with serious food allergies, reliance on emergency medications, like epinephrine, may feel like a constant shadow looming over their lives. With Xolair’s remarkable efficacy in mitigating allergic reactions, many patients can gradually reduce their dependence on allergy medications. This shift enhances their sense of control and autonomy, fostering a more predictable and manageable lifestyle free from the fear of medical emergencies. 

While Xolair offers a new level of protection for high-risk individuals, it isn’t a cure. It may enable very young children allergic to milk or eggs to outgrow their allergies, preventing severe reactions before the age of 5, but it does not make patients completely immune. As food allergy immunotherapy studies continue to unlock new ways to manage medical conditions, the medical miracle for food allergies remains elusive. Research on omalizumab and other food allergy treatments continues.

The Role of San Antonio Allergists in Xolair Treatment

In the heart of San Antonio, Apex Allergy and Asthma Clinic stands as a beacon of excellence in allergy care. Our city is home to some of the best allergists in the field, specializing in diagnosing and treating food allergies with unparalleled expertise and dedication. 

At Apex Allergy and Asthma Clinic, our team of seasoned professionals, led by Dr. Stahl, works hand-in-hand with patients to craft personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. Central to our approach is the integration of cutting-edge treatments such as Xolair, a groundbreaking therapy that revolutionizes food allergy management. We are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you feel cared for and understood throughout your battle against food allergies. 

Whether you are seeking relief from persistent food allergies or exploring treatment options for a loved one, our Texas allergy and asthma clinic will guide you toward the best outcomes. Working together, we can help you achieve a future where food allergies no longer stress you out as they do today, helping you live life fully and confidently.

The Breakthrough Solution for Food Allergies

The landscape of food allergy treatment is as vast as the state of Texas, and Xolair shines as a beacon of hope for residents facing severe food allergies. By targeting the underlying immune response driving allergic reactions, Xolair offers lasting relief, protection, and peace of mind to patients across the Lone Star State and beyond. If you’re ready to triumph over your food allergies with Xolair and enjoy life to the fullest, we encourage you to consult your allergist today. Call us at 210-490-2051 or click the “Schedule Today” button. We can provide you with more information about Xolair food allergy treatment and help you explore the potential benefits of this revolutionary therapy.