Allergies in Grapevine, TX

When you have an allergic reaction, it's your immune system telling you that something you have eaten or something in your environment is harmful. Triggered by an antigen (a substance such as pollen, mold, food, chemicals, or an insect bite), your body will react to that substance even though it may not be harmful for most people. Every person has their own allergy triggers and tolerances to specific antigens. At Kotsanis Institute of Functional Medicine in Grapevine, TX, we believe that allergy symptoms are responsible for more visits to a doctor’s office than any other illness in this country. Living and working within the DFW Metroplex, our skilled team of physicians sees many patients with allergy symptoms who have recently moved to Texas. Even though these patients may not have had previous problems with allergies, moving to a new environment can often create new challenges for the immune system.

If you're seeking relief for an allergy, we do offer allergy testing and low-dose antigen (LDA) treatment. This treatment activates the T-lymphocytes (immune-system-controlling white blood cells) which shut off the undesirable allergic response. The T-lymphocytes have a half-life of 12 – 16 weeks and form life-long memory cells that eventually give you the long-term relief you need. Patients who have gone through our LDA treatment report that they need less medication, get fewer infections, and have more tolerance to foods, pollens, and chemicals. If you or your child is enduring life with an allergy and you want to pinpoint a specific allergy and get LDA treatment, then contact us for a consultation.

Allergies are a reaction from the immune system to various substances, known as antigens, such as pollen, food, chemicals, or insect bites. Even though these substances are often harmless for most people, the body perceives them as a threat, prompting an allergic response. Each person has unique allergy triggers and varying levels of tolerance to specific antigens. One interesting factor that can influence allergies is environmental change. For example, moving to a new location can present new challenges to the immune system due to different local allergens, potentially leading to the development of allergies where none existed before. Overall, allergies result from the immune system's heightened sensitivity to certain substances in one's environment or diet.

Allergic symptoms frequently include congestion, itchy nose, post-nasal drip, sneezing, and watery eyes. Additional symptoms might include:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Headaches
• Hyperactivity in children
• Repeat sinus or ear infections
• A feeling of fullness in the ears
• Sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and asthma
• Rashes such as hives and eczema
• Joint aches
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting
• Swelling

Allergies can significantly impact one's quality of life, and recognizing these risk factors can help individuals take proactive steps to mitigate their effects. While genetics and environmental exposures play significant roles, several other elements also contribute to the development of allergic conditions, such as:

• Family history
• Environmental factors
• Age
• Asthma and other allergic conditions
• Dietary factors
• Immune system disorders
• Frequent infections

Preparing for LDA treatment consists of being on an antifungal protocol for at least five days before your first treatment. It is very important that the rotating anti-fungal protocol is followed before and between LDA treatments (as yeast and Candida are suppressed). On the day before, the day of, and the day after an LDA shot, you must:

• Take your prescription medication for serious medical conditions (like insulin, hormones, heart medications, etc.)
• Stay away from triggering foods, household chemicals, allergy medications, and household pets
• Eat only cooked foods (not raw foods because they contain enzymes that may interfere with treatment)
• Refrain from ingesting your normal nutritional supplements
• Stop using over-the-counter allergy medications, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays one week before and three weeks after an LDA treatment 
• Avoid alcohol, fatiguing exercise, and extreme sun or heat exposure

If you have questions about a specific medication, please call us. We'd be happy to go over the directions for you.

At Kotsanis Institute, we use low dose antigen (LDA) treatments for our patients with allergies. LDA can be quickly administered in our office. We administer these intradermal injections into the forearm at year one, two, and three after diagnosis:

• Year one – treatments every two months
• Year two – treatments every three months
• Year three – treatments every six months

Most patients receive a total of 11 – 15 treatments over three years. Some effects of LDA treatments can be almost immediate; however, the full benefit of LDA treatments may be slow to appear. Generally, patients tend to notice some significant improvements with the first or second injection, and the response rate usually increases with subsequent injections. Typically, children respond faster than adults to LDA protocols. In some cases, we see an immediate response with the first injection, while other patients respond within around 4 – 5 doses. You may experience a localized reaction at the injection site, which appears red, feels itchy, and may swell to the size of a half-dollar or larger. The size of the reaction has no relationship to what type of response you will have.

Is LDA allergy treatment safe?

Yes, it is. LDA allergy treatments are safe and effective, with little to no risk of complications. That's why LDA therapy is used to treat people with severe allergies. You will be monitored during your treatment to ensure no serious reaction occurs.

Do LDA (low dose antigen) treatments hurt?

No, they don't. Most patients don't experience much discomfort with these small injections given into the forearm. Some LDA therapy can be given as a drop under the tongue (sublingual) and is completely painless.

How many LDA allergy treatments will I need?

Most patients will have 11 – 15 treatments over three years.

How quickly do you see results with LDA allergy treatments?

Some effects of LDA treatments can be seen almost immediately, but the full effect improves over time. Most patients see noticeable results by the fourth to fifth treatment.

What are the most common allergies?

The most common allergies include food and nut allergies, pollen, dust, pet dander, insect stings, mold, and latex.

How does LDA treatment address long-term allergy relief?

LDA treatment focuses on modifying the immune system's response to allergens rather than simply masking symptoms. By introducing minuscule doses of allergens combined with enzymes, LDA re-trains the immune system to stop overreacting to harmless substances. This process helps reduce the inflammatory responses triggered by allergens, potentially leading to long-term relief. Over time, the body builds tolerance to the allergens, which can result in fewer symptoms and a reduced need for medications.

Our team is accepting new allergy patients who have not been diagnosed or who need a physician to manage their current LDA care. Please call and set up an appointment if you'd like to begin your allergy treatment at Kotsanis Institute of Functional Medicine in Grapevine, TX today.