COEM Highlights the Effectiveness of Provocation Neutralization to Test for Allergy and Sensitivity Reactions

Charleston, South Carolina -

The Center for Occupational & Environmental Medicine (COEM) is sharing information about the most natural method to test for and address allergic reactions. Readers can find out more about different allergy mechanisms by visiting https://coem.com/programs-treatments/allergy-immunology/.

First introduced in 1904 by Dr. Von Piquet, the term allergy was defined as “any altered reaction to a substance.” Over time, as medicine made great strides in understanding human anatomy, scientists isolated the protein which was the specific marker to identify allergic reactions. In 1967, Dr. Ishizaka identified immunoglobin E (IgE) as the mediator for allergic reactions and doctors have since relied on testing for IgE to diagnose allergies.

IgE-mediated reactions cause what most people consider classical allergies - allergic rhinitis, asthma, and eczema in response to inhalant allergens such as pollen, dust, molds, and dander. However, sensitivities to certain foods and chemicals are not IgE-mediated causing them to go unnoticed during a diagnosis.

COEM, which has over four decades of experience studying chronic symptoms and diseases caused by exposure to allergenic foods, chemicals, inhalants, and pollens says that these sensitivities may be mediated by immunoglobulin G (IgG) or other immunoglobulins, or may occur as a reaction within the gastrointestinal tract itself.

The founder of COEM, Dr. Allan Lieberman shares his insight into the complaints that most people have when it comes to particular foods. He says, “We have worked with many thousands of patients and have found that not all mechanisms are IgE mediated. That is why we prefer the term food and chemical “sensitivity” instead of “allergy.” For example, many of our patients experience headaches due to sensitivity to cane, corn, cola, chocolate, and/or citrus. Some patients who experience arthritic pain are sensitive to beef, pork, apple, soy, coffee, and solanine-containing foods such as tomato, potato, eggplant, and peppers. So, there is a need to practice a framework of diagnosis and treatment that accounts for the vast difference in the biological mechanisms that can affect your quality of life.”

Provocation Neutralization (PN) is a method of allergy testing and treatment that is based on the principles of immunology and biochemistry. The technique was developed by Dr. Joseph Miller, an American physician, in the 1960s. Its basic premise is that allergens can cause a wide range of symptoms by provoking a cascade of immune responses in the body. PN works by identifying the specific allergens that trigger these responses and then neutralizing their effects using small doses of the allergen.

During a PN treatment session, a practitioner will identify a list of potential allergens that are causing the patient's symptoms. Once the allergens have been identified, the practitioner will then administer a series of injections containing very small amounts of the allergen. Over time, the dose of the allergen is administered until the patient's immune system is desensitized to the allergen and no longer triggers the same symptoms. This process is known as "neutralization" and is thought to be an effective way to treat allergies and related conditions.

Dr. Lieberman talks about the center’s approach to allergy testing by saying, “Elimination and avoidance is a great way to address chronic symptoms that you might not even know are being triggered by your food sensitivities. Most of our patients are amazed to find out that something they consume regularly might be the root cause of their condition. Identifying the food, chemical, and inhalant triggers in the environment can help us address a wide range of problems including gastro-esophageal reflux, chronic nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bedwetting, frequency and urgency of urination, chronic persistent cough, asthma, and chronic joint pain. Since the allergic reaction involves multiple systems of the body, we can also help you resolve neurological conditions such as learning disabilities, psychosis and schizophrenia, depression, lethargy, fatigue, agoraphobia, panic attacks, sleep apnea, restless legs, and other neurological impairments.”

Patients who feel their health has been affected by allergies and sensitivities can opt for a full total body stress load evaluation by Drs. William J. Weirs and Stephen P. Elliott to see if Provocation Neutralization is a good fit for their specific health concerns. If so, a comprehensive plan will be put together and allergy testing will be scheduled accordingly.

Readers can check out the blog post at https://coem.com/blog/adventures-in-allergy-testing-at-coem/ to understand how the center’s allergy testing process works, including patient stories and allergy testing for children.