Low Dose Immunotherapy

What is LDA immunotherapy?

For decades, medical practitioners have used immunotherapy to treat pressing conditions, including cancer. And now, Dr. Macfield leverages this powerful medical treatment for his patients living with allergies or allergy-related conditions. 

LDA immunotherapy is effective for many people who have reactions to airborne allergens (e.g., dust mites, pet dander, pollen), sensitivities, and even intolerances. It’s been shown to be effective in treating a range of conditions, including:

• Seasonal and perennial allergies
• Food allergies
• Asthma
• Migraines
• Eczema
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Epilepsy
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Crohn’s disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Premenstrual syndrome

And this list is by no means comprehensive. If you want to learn more about the far-reaching capabilities of LDA immunotherapy, talk to Dr. Macfield about it at your next appointment. 

How does LDA immunotherapy work?

Allergies, sensitivities, and a range of other conditions are caused by your body’s improper response to normal substances in the body. 

Take pollen allergies, for example. Your body mistakenly thinks the pollen is a health threat. It kick-starts a number of reactions (e.g., sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes) in an attempt to fend off the pollen. You endure these allergy symptoms because your body improperly identified the pollen as harmful. 

Your body’s immune response can be retrained, however. Each LDA immunotherapy injection introduces a very small dose of the allergen along with an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase. The beta-glucuronidase helps your body produce regulatory T cells, which control the body’s immune response. These cells signal to your body that the introduced allergen isn’t harmful, alleviating your symptoms. 

What is the process like for getting LDA immunotherapy?

It’s easy and relatively pain-free. You get your LDA immunotherapy injection via a very small needle in your arm. And you don’t need to get LDA immunotherapy as frequently as other types of allergy shots. That’s because the T cells it stimulates stay in your bloodstream for a period of time. 

In the beginning, most patients get LDA immunotherapy once every two months. Then, they’re able to space their immunotherapy appointments out further and further as they experience longer-lasting relief of their symptoms. 

To help you get the best results from your LDA immunotherapy, Dr. Macfield provides you with some post-treatment guidelines. Following them helps maximize the treatment’s effectiveness. 

If you’re ready to get started with LDA immunotherapy, call Breton Village Pediatrics & Family Medicine, or schedule your appointment online.