New Advances Offer Hope in Fight Against Food Allergies
CHICAGO – A new wave of research and treatment options is bringing renewed hope to the millions of Americans, including many in the chicago area, living with food allergies. From groundbreaking studies identifying potential affordable cures to increasingly common immunotherapy treatments, experts say managing – and perhaps overcoming – these conditions is becoming more attainable.
Food allergies impact an estimated 32 million Americans, according to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), and the prevalence is rising, particularly among children. These allergies can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening reactions, substantially impacting daily life for individuals and families. A recent study has sparked optimism,suggesting a potential affordable cure for some peanut allergies,while doctors are increasingly utilizing oral immunotherapy to desensitize patients.
Dr. Ruchi Gupta, a leading researcher in the field, explains that oral immunotherapy is now a widely used treatment. “For people with food allergies,we want to prevent,but not everyone can prevent it,” Dr.Gupta said. “And so, if you do develop food allergies, what’s so exciting now is we do have treatments.”
The impact of food allergies extends far beyond mealtime.One Chicago-area mother recounted her shock when her son experienced a severe reaction. “The next time, he was pretty promptly covered in hives and redness, and I was completely shocked. I could not believe I was witnessing him having a food allergy reaction,” she shared. The condition has fundamentally altered their family’s routine, requiring constant vigilance regarding school procedures, label reading, dining out, and ensuring access to epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens).
Dr.Gupta’s research is at the forefront of these advancements. She emphasizes the importance of both preventative measures and effective treatments for those already diagnosed.Oral immunotherapy, alongside other emerging options, represents a important step forward in managing food allergies and improving the quality of life for those affected.
For more information on new research and affordable cures for peanut allergies,visit: https://abc7chicago.com/post/new-study-finds-affordable-cure-peanut-allergies-offering-hope-thousands/15895342/