Will my child “outgrow” their allergies, asthma, or eczema?
Are there more natural options than allergy medications or steroid creams that can help clear up my allergies or eczema?
How does the Naturopathic approach differ from how an MD might treat allergic conditions?
Asthma, allergies, and eczema are three of the most common conditions seen in primary care medicine today. While these conditions are common, they can be very disruptive to our daily lives. An estimated 2 million school days are lost each year due to chronic allergy symptoms in children. The prevalence of asthma and allergies has been increasing in Western countries over the last century at an alarming rate.
Asthma, allergies, and eczema are related hereditary conditions associated with an increased production of certain immune system antibodies (Immunoglobulin E or IgE) in the presence of otherwise harmless substances, such as grass or animal dander. These conditions can be triggered by nutritional deficiencies, genetic vulnerabilities, gastrointestinal or immune system problems, and especially common environmental toxins such as pesticides and industrial air pollutants. The presence of one of these conditions suggests that a person is at an increased risk for the others. Often eczema begins in infancy or early childhood, then seasonal or environmental allergies develop, and these can lead to asthmatic episodes. In some cases, it may appear that a child has “outgrown” their asthma or allergies, only to have related health problems come up in adulthood. These can include food sensitivities, autoimmune conditions, and digestive issues.
One of the key aspects of Naturopathic medicine is to find and treat the root cause of illness. While there are many effective remedies to temporarily ease the symptoms of asthma, allergies, and eczema, it is essential to go beyond that in order to resolve these conditions completely.
Our evaluation includes a thorough medical history, family medical history, physical exam, and often lab work to determine the underlying factors leading to your symptoms. Treatments include dietary recommendations and support, nutritional supplements, herbal and homeopathic medicines. Our approach is safe, gentle, and effective.
Atopic conditions and their pharmaceutical treatments over time can stress the body impacting other organs systems such as the adrenals and thyroid gland or the digestive tract. This can create a cycle of symptoms that is difficult to get out of without addressing the body as a whole and returning it to a state of health and optimal functioning.
This is what Naturopathic medicine can achieve, safely and effectively: resolution of current symptoms and prevention of future episodes. Our goal is not simply to keep treating symptoms as they continue to recur, but to heal the cause of your symptoms so they do not return, and help you to lead a healthy and full life free of allergies.