A Functional Medicine Approach to Allergies
Article Courtesy of Institute of Functional Medicine As a result of an underlying immunological issue, allergic and atopic diseases increase the inflammatory burden and put patients at risk for developing other conditions. With health resilience playing a crucial role in the outcome of disease, treating the underlying causes of atopic diseases may strengthen the immune system response. As seasonal irritants like pollen begin to emerge, patients may be experiencing allergy symptoms that could be confused for more serious illness and might prevent the immune system from mounting a robust response to novel infections. Atopic diseases are the leading reason for clinic visits as well as for emergency room and hospital visits, and they are the most common childhood chronic condition. Commonly known as an “atopic march,” allergy-related...