Treatment of Food Allergy in Israel — Accurate Diagnosis and Progressive Therapy Methods

To establish a diagnosis, identify the products causing an allergic reaction in the patient, and select the most effective medications, laboratory testing of the patient is necessary. In diagnostic centers in Israel, the required information is obtained quickly using state-of-the-art equipment and highly accurate laboratory techniques. The examination is conducted according to an individually tailored plan, with an emphasis on products that regularly appear in the patient's diet. Numerous reviews note the clarity and organization of the treatment process, comfort and positive psychological atmosphere, attentiveness and friendliness of the medical staff.

Treatment Methods for the Disease

Of all types of allergic diseases, food allergy is the most common, which is explained by the vast number of diverse compounds found in the foods consumed by humans. Approximately 50% of patients with this diagnosis are children under 10-12 years old, while the disease is significantly less common in adulthood. This is due to the fact that in the early years of life, a child's body constantly encounters new antigens and has heightened immune reactivity. After repeated contacts with the same food allergen, immune tolerance gradually develops — the absence of an immune response to a specific antigen while retaining reactivity to others — and allergy symptoms do not manifest.

When an allergen enters the gastrointestinal tract, the immune system is activated, and an allergic reaction develops. Numerous types of food allergens have been identified.

The causes of allergy can include hereditary predisposition, the presence of another allergic disease in the patient (for example, bronchial asthma). The development of food intolerance is also facilitated by factors such as:

• the characteristics of the food allergen (degree of immunogenicity, ability to not react and not decompose in the aggressive environment of the stomach);
• age-related features of the gastrointestinal tract (in childhood, the walls of the stomach and intestines have high permeability, the acidity of gastric juice is reduced, and disturbances in intestinal microflora are common);
• hereditary factors (genetically determined increased immune reactivity and some other conditions).

Upon the first entry of an allergen into the body, it is recognized by immune cells, which after a certain time release specific immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies attach to the surface of basophils and remain there for a long time. Upon re-exposure, IgE recognizes the allergen, binds to it, thereby stimulating the release of histamine from basophils. It is histamine that causes the development of external symptoms, contributing to the rapid dilation of blood vessels and the development of tissue swelling.

Food allergy most often manifests as skin symptoms. Within two hours after eating, itching and rashes occur, and swelling appears. If further contact with this allergen is absent, these disorders disappear within a few days. The patient may also experience dyspepsia, nausea, and abdominal pain. Some foods can cause severe allergic conditions such as anaphylactic shock and angioedema.

When diagnosing food allergy at any age, a favorable prognosis is voiced. However, if the allergy to certain products persists into adulthood, the patient should permanently avoid them.

The treatment process consists of three stages: alleviation of symptoms, elimination of the allergen from the body, and prevention of repeated contacts.

Medication Treatment

Drug therapy aims to alleviate symptoms and prevent further development of the allergic reaction. The medication therapy regimen must include drugs that cause temporary blockage of allergy mediators.

• Antihistamines — these agents are used in various forms (tablets, nasal sprays, syrups) for the emergency relief of symptoms, providing immediate assistance. Most often, a single dose of an antihistamine is sufficient to alleviate manifestations and relieve an episode of food allergy. In severe cases, patients are prescribed courses of such medications.
• Corticosteroids.
• Adrenaline.

Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT)

After accurately identifying the food product that caused the allergy, the question of applying this progressive immunological method is considered. Its essence lies in preventing the development of an allergic reaction to this antigen. The weakening of the allergen and gradual development of immune tolerance is achieved by stimulating IgG, also known as blocking antibodies. With the artificial introduction of increasing doses of the antigen into the body, it binds to IgG before binding to IgM. As a result, the body's hypersensitivity decreases, and this food product no longer triggers the formation of an allergic reaction.

Elimination of the Allergen

The removal of the food allergen from the body is accelerated through a therapeutic hypoallergenic diet and medications. If no more than 2-3 hours have passed since the product was consumed, a positive effect is observed with the intake of enterosorbents. These agents prevent the allergen from entering the bloodstream by binding it in the intestinal lumen. If this product was eaten a long time ago or has been present in the diet for an extended period, it can only be eliminated naturally. To expedite this, patients are prescribed diuretics or infusion therapy.

Methods of Diagnosing the Disease

The greatest difficulty in the diagnostic process lies in establishing the food product that caused the allergic reaction. The necessary consultations with specialists and examinations required for diagnosis are performed in Israeli clinics, on average, within three days.

How Much Does Treatment Cost

Advantages of Treatment in Israel

• Excellent training of doctors.
• Use of the latest medical equipment.
• Latest generation medications.
• Application of innovative therapy methods.
• Affordable prices.

In medical centers in Israel, highly professional specialists help patients overcome the disease. Immediate contact with the clinic and prompt treatment are the keys to complete recovery.