What is an allergy?
An allergy may be defined as the body’s immune defence response against allergens (foreign materials/organisms). The immune system comprises the white blood system and the entire system of mucous membranes.
When exposed to allergens, specialised mast cells found in the skin, nasal mucosa, lung tissue and digestive system release certain chemicals (called mediators) into the bloodstream and tissues. These mediators, the most common being histamine, cause swelling and inflammation – and therefore the allergic reaction. Clinical manifestations follow and symptoms develop. If the lung is involved, Asthma results. If the nasal mucosa is involved, Hay fever results and if the skin is involved, Eczema and Hives result.
Currently 30 - 40% of South Africans are affected by allergies, and the incidence is rising annually.
What causes an allergic response?
When an allergic person comes into contact with the offending substance (known as an Allergen), their body’s immune system rushes to the rescue and begins to produce antibodies to fight off the invader. These antibodies alter the way in which the body reacts, and may produce allergic symptoms.
What are allergens?
Anything to which a person becomes allergic is an allergen. Certain substances, because of their physical and chemical structure are more likely to become allergens than others. Prime examples are pollens and penicillin. Others are dust, mould, spores, animal dander, feathers, cereal grains, some air-borne chemical pollutants, drugs and insect venoms.
What are antibodies?
To protect the body from a perceived threat, or allergen, the immune system of an allergic person produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE).
IgE antibodies are found mostly in the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes. They cause mast cells (a type of cell involved in the body's immune response) to release chemicals, including histamine, into the bloodstream. It's these chemicals that bring on many of the allergy symptoms that affect a person's eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract.
Is ‘being allergic’ a serious illness?
An allergic reaction can be slight and annoying or very serious.
The inflamed lining of the nose of someone who suffers from hay fever or chronic sinusitis can become infected, making the symptoms worse. Most dangerous of all is a sudden dose of an allergen, especially one like a bee sting or drug-ingestion. This triggers a generalised allergic reaction bringing on collapse, shock or even death (anaphylactic reaction).
Are allergies inherited?
While specific allergies themselves are not inherited, the tendency towards allergies is. The more allergic one’s family is, the more likely one is to develop allergies. Though the trend to develop allergies may not appear in all members in a family or even in every generation of a family, the tendency is often still there.
Can an allergy be outgrown?
No. It is common for people to change the way their other allergic symptoms affect them, especially in childhood. For example, a baby may develop colic or eczema or have recurrent ear infections, but as he/she grows older, other allergic symptoms may develop. Adults have many varied symptoms such as chronic post nasal drip, rashes, as well as stomach and intestinal problems. Older patients still have a tendency to have allergic symptoms, although they may become less noticeable with maturity.
Are drugs the answer?
Drugs like cortisone, antihistamines, decongestants and bronchodilators (for asthma) counteract the symptoms, but can never cure the allergy condition. Steroids can suppress the allergic reaction in severe conditions, but often there is a risk that the patient may develop side effects.
AllergoStop® is a once-off treatment that offers long-term relief with no side-effects.
Causes of allergies
There is no standard way that an allergy begin, and the onset may be sudden or gradual. For a person to become allergic to a substance, they must have been exposed to it more than once, and generally that exposure would need to have been quite frequent. Often, symptoms develop after an unusual stress to the immune system.
Following below is a list of the most common causes of allergies:
Allergen
Allergies are divided into ‘basic’ and ‘secondary’ allergens.>
The basic allergen is usually found among the basic components of one’s diet. They include: cow’s milk, nuts, wheat and eggs.
Many environmental allergies that we suffer from are actually secondary allergies being driven by primary allergic responses, principally to foods.It has always been obvious in clinical practice that when basic food allergies are corrected environmental sensitivities vanish.
For example, by simply taking a person off of cow’s milk or wheat, there will no longer be an environmental sensitivity to cats or dogs.
Hyperacidity
Allergies can be classified as an inflammatory reaction triggered by hyperacidity. If you can restore your body's alkalinity, the allergic reaction often vanishes. Hyperacidity affects the body’s entire regulatory ability. Mast cells de-granulate much easier in an acidic environment and are more likely to generate histamines.
Dysbiosis (Intestinal mucous membrane changes and defective intestinal flora)
Intestinal flora forms a fine film on the inside of the intestinal tube. When they are not intact, the intestinal mucous membrane’s absorptive abilities become impaired. Foreign proteins can then penetrate the membrane, which are detected by the immune system, which then reacts accordingly. Over 80% of the human immune system is thus situated alongside the intestines. Allergies are thus usually indirect ailments of the intestinal mucous membrane.
Toxins/heavy metals/mercury
There is a direct relationship between frequency of exposure to mercury and frequency of allergic ailments. Heavy metals block the functions of the lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell in the immune system) and macrophages (white blood cells within tissues) and thus block the body’s defensive systems.
Fungi
It has long been known that the spores of certain fungi--particularly the types commonly known as moulds--can trigger allergic reactions. Mould spores can be in the air virtually year-round and proving fungal infection is difficult, which is why conventional medicine very often casts doubt on a fungal presence.
Histamines
Histamines are simple chemical substances your immune system cells produce when reacting to an antigen in response to foreign invaders. They are produced in localized places and cause inflammation.
The histamine supply comes almost exclusively via the diet. Animal proteins, fish, shellfish and tomatoes are very rich in histamines.
When a person is allergic to a particular substance, such as a food or dust, the immune system mistakenly believes that this usually harmless substance is actually harmful to the body. In an attempt to protect the body, the immune system starts a chain reaction that prompts some of the body's cells to release histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream. The histamine then acts on a person's eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract, causing allergic symptoms.
Types of allergies
Skin allergy
Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema – A very large number of children and infants are affected by eczema and the incidence amongst adults is increasing at an alarming rate. The condition is strongly hereditary and is often associated with hay fever and asthma. The allergens that severely aggravate this condition include cow’s milk (most common), egg, wheat, soya protein, peanuts, colorants, preservatives and citrus fruit (especially oranges).
Eczema is an inflammation of the skin and can take the form of red patches, crusts and scales. The affected areas are very itchy. Cortisone creams are normally used for symptomatic relief.
Urticaria (Hives) – The onset may be very sudden, presenting with raised red patches or wheels, swelling of the eyelids or lips and extreme itching. Hives may also occur due to exposure to cold, heat or direct sunlight.
Allergic Rhinitis
Seasonal Rhinitis (Hay fever) – This allergic disorder is common and affects almost 4 out of every 10 people, with the incidence rising annually. The condition is known as Hay Fever, because of the nasal symptoms developing during hay or pollen season. The lining of the nose becomes irritated, causing the sufferer to sneeze and the nose to become stuffy or to run (coryza). Eyes may itch or turn watery and sometimes the ears block. Allergens which cause hay fever include pollens from grass, trees and weed species. Occasionally fungal spores are implicated.
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis – Symptoms are present all year round. Persons who suffer from this allergic disorder are sensitive to allergens which are present throughout the year, such as: animals, house dust mite, house dust, fungal spores and dust. Some people develop a typical appearance known as ‘Allergic Face’ which presents with a pale face, dry lips and mouth (due to mouth-breathing) and dark rings under the eyes. Many people also have a clear line across the nose known as an ‘Allergic Salute’. Less allergic persons will complain of frequent, recurring colds and upper respiratory infections. In these cases the sinuses are most commonly affected.
Asthma
Asthma is one of the most common respiratory disorders in the world, affecting 1 out of 10 children and 1 out of 20 adults. It is a condition which affects breathing and the lungs. An Asthma attack may be triggered by environmental pollutants like cigarette smoke, chemicals or car exhaust fumes. Exercise and emotion (fear, anger, stress, laughter) as well as certain drugs, can also induce an asthmatic attack.
The most common inhaled allergens to cause an attack include: House dust mite, grass, animal dander, cockroach droppings, tree pollen and fungal spores. Certain foods that trigger an attack include: Colorants, preservatives, additives and foods high in primary mediators such as tyramine and histamine.
Food allergies
There are 2 different types of allergic reactions to food that involve the immune system. The term ‘food allergy’ must only be reserved for the first type, namely IgE mediated. ‘Food intolerance’ is not IgE mediated, but are usually the food substances that contain the mediators themselves which react the same way in the body as when under an allergic attack.
What is AllergoStop®?
AllergoStop® is an auto-vaccine prepared from the biological material (blood or urine) and is recommended for eliminating all allergies.
It is not a symptomatic treatment for allergies. Instead it treats the cause by neutralising the antibody in the allergic reaction. Unlike conventional therapeutic methods, AllergoStop® requires no prior testing for detecting the offending allergens, thereby eliminating time consuming, harmful and expensive allergen tests.
Conventionally, treatments for allergies are based on controlling the symptoms through the use of antihistamines, cortisone and in some cases strong immuno-suppressants. This is an on-going process, month after month, year after year, which in most cases carries all the side effects of the drug.
AllergoStop® is a safe and effective treatment for long-term allergy relief. It is a unique therapeutic method with no side-effects and no monthly prescriptions!!
How does AllergoStop® work?
AllergoStop® consists of treatment with the antibodies that are playing a dominant role in the body at the time of an allergic reaction. It is based on the method of Counter-sensitization which combines the advantages of desensitization and autohemotherapy.
Countersensitisation is a unique method of treatment. It differs from conventional therapy in that it is capable of suppressing antibodies in allergies by transforming the body’s own antibodies into antigens. This stimulates the immune system to produce normal antibodies by blocking and destroying the bad antibodies that cause the disease. It can therefore minimise or eliminate risk of hyperalergic reactions, allowing the allergy sufferer to experience considerable relief or even complete cure of his/her symptoms.
Only blood samples (5-7ml) are needed as it contains the disease specific antibodies (that binds to a specific antigen) in high concentration. The blood serum is added to an activator that absorbs the antibodies. After the administration of the modified complex, the patient synthesizes antibodies against his original antibodies. These are called anti-antibodies which function in neutralising the allergy.
It is used for the treatment of hypersensitivity and allergies caused by exogenous allergens, e.g. hay fever, sinus, asthma, eczema, etc.
Desensitisation: gradual, incremental exposure to reduce severe reactions to allergens
Autohemotherapy: (self-blood therapy) is a technique that involves the withdrawal of blood from the body and the reinjection into a vein or through the skin or muscle, resulting in a powerful immune stimulant.
Below are images of Amanda Koster, a patient treated by Dr AJ Ford for a severe case of eczema in 2013
Amanda prior to her treatment with Allergostop:
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| Amanda and Dr Ford once her treatment was completed: |
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How is AllergoStop® performed?
The AllergoStop® treatment takes approximately 15-20 minutes to prepare while you wait at the Practice.
- For this method we draw a small volume of blood(5 to 7ml) from the patient (4 years and older). For patients younger than 4 years, we obtain a urine sample.
- The blood cells are separated from the serum (fluid part of the blood), which contains the allergic antibodies.
- The serum is chemically modified with the assistance of specific activating substances (serum activator) that changes the antibody complex. The activator adsorbs the antibodies and sterilizes the complex that is formed.
- This new complex, is administered to the patient in dropper form.
- The dosage for oral administration is 9 drops in the morning and evening.
- The serum should be kept in the refrigerator at all times.
- The total treatment programme takes approximately 4 to 5 weeks to reach the desired result.
- 2-3 Weeks after the AllergoStop® treatment has been completed, a follow-up appointment should be made. It will be determined whether the allergic antibodies have been totally neutralised or if a follow-up treatment is required.
- In certain cases, where extremely high allergy levels (IgE antibodies) are present, a second treatment is recommended, particularly in chronic conditions which have existed for several years.
Please note: Accompanying the AllergoStop® treatment you may receive additional medication that will assist in the desensitisation process. With each case being different, these medicines may vary.
Who will benefit from AllergoStop®?
Do you:
- Constantly take anti-histamines to get relief from Hay fever or Sinus?
- Suffer from Eczema and chronically have to apply cortisone creams to bring relief?
- Suffer from Asthma and have to use cortisone pumps or tablets daily?
- Live with Urticaria or Psoriasis?
- Have allergies for animals or insects?
- Struggle with food allergies and/or intolerance?
- Occasionally undergo acute allergy attacks?
- Experience Seasonal rhinitis?
If you have answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you will be relieved to know that AllergoStop® is the answer for you!
No allergy test required
Although it is possible to detect allergens with allergy tests, these methods cause patients considerable distress, are only partially effective, and not without risk. Furthermore, decomposition products of protein molecules or denaturised body protein may be causing the allergy and might not be detected by tests (This needs to be taken into account when patients suffer from multiple allergies).
The great advantage of AllergoStop® is that there is no need to test for allergens. The antibody which initiated the allergic reaction is already in the blood serum and contains the disease specific antibodies in high concentration.
If you’re tired of only getting temporary relief from allergy and allergic disorders, try AllergoStop® for a lasting solution.
Advantages of AllergoStop®
- There are never any serious complications.
- Anytime is good to start the treatment.
- There is no requirement to know the allergens.
- The pathogenic antibodies produce the immunogenic stimulus.
- The allergic disorder can be treated in a focused way.
- In most cases only a once-off treatment.
- No monthly prescriptions.
How successful is AllergoStop®?
70 - 80% Of patients who receive the AllergoStop® therapy experience significant improvement or a complete cure of their condition. Such high success rates are not achieved with other therapeutic methods (Kugler and Krug, Revitorgan Therapy and Serum-Desensitisation)
With 20 years’ experience in successfully treating allergies, we can safely say that we are specialists in the treatment of AllergoStop®, treating patients of all ages with any type of allergy.
Why is AllergoStop® so important?
We are all well aware of the dangerous side-effects of long-term use of cortisone, either as atopic skin creams or as inhalers. Not to mention the drowsiness and dizziness often associated with taking anti-histamines.
With AllergoStop® you can eliminate the use of cortisone and anti-histamines.
You will be able to enjoy the benefits of improved health.
Is AllergoStop® safe for children?
Absolutely. In children, aged 4 years and up, we may obtain a blood sample. If, however, the child’s veins are too small or in cases where they may be traumatised (sensitive children) we use a urine sample.
Babies from 6 weeks upwards can also be treated with AllergoStop® by obtaining a urine sample.
The urine sample will be prepared in the same way as when using a blood sample.
Are there any side-effects?
With AllergoStop® there are NO side-effects.
If the therapy is given as directed, in the doses prescribed, there is no need to fear side-effects.
The initial occurrence of localised irritation and general reactions that appear occasionally subsides as the therapy progresses and immune-complexes are obtained.
Can other medication be taken with the treatment?
It remains a matter for the Doctor to decide, but the governing principle is that as few other drugs as possible should be taken.
Anything which blocks biological mechanisms is undesirable, e.g. headache, and sleeping tablets.
Medication required for the maintenance of vital functions, on the other hand, should not be discontinued.
Infants and allergies
A primary allergy to dietary elements usually develops during infancy, when the infant is fed foreign animal protein which its intestinal mucous membrane system cannot yet process. If cow’s milk is ingested, the body reacts with a continuous immune response, which can lead to exhaustion of the immune system and the characteristic susceptibility to infection.
It is therefore of utmost importance not to give infants, up to an age of about 12 months, any dairy products, eggs or nuts, which all function as allergens in infants. It is regrettable that most of the powdered baby formula mixes are made with cow’s milk and thus represent a high allergen risk.
Not only is the lactate (sugar-part) in cow’s milk a strong allergen, but even worse so is the casein (protein-part). A large percentage of children with casein sensitivity have been known to present with ADD (Attention Deficit disorder).
Therefore, children up to the age of 1 year should only be given mother’s milk or soy-substitute formulas.
Appointments
Contact the Nurse to make an appointment for the Allergostop® treatment.
If there are any other questions you may have, please ask to speak to one of our Nurses.
Testemonials
Below you will find a beautiful testemonial written by one of Dr Ford's patients, Mrs Denise van den Berg, - a mother of two..
''Allergiee...ekseem...'post-nasal-drip' en sinus! Lyk my mens KAN ontslae raak van jou allergiee!!"
Dolf my man sukkel erg met sinus...as hy suiwel, suiker, graan ens. eet kry hy die een groot sinus aanval na die ander. Soms is dit so erg dat dit in brongitis omsit en hy met antibiotika gesond moet word. Ek weer het skielik op 30 'n ekseem vel ontwikkel!
My seuntjie, Dohan (3) het op 7 maande ekseem begin kry en sukkel tans nog daarmee. Danel, my dogtertjie (1) het die ekseem vrygespring. Maar so het ek ook aan die begin van hierdie jaar gemerk dat altwee die kinders met slym borsies sukkel en begin wonder of hulle nie 'n 'post-nasal-drip' het nie, want sien hul neusies loop nie. Hierdie drip sit dan om in 'n hoes-bors wat vir Danel kroep en dan brongilitus gee (sy was in Jan en Feb op antibiotika!) en Dohan kry boonste-lugweg-infeksie wat hom ook op antibiotika gehad het in Januarie.
Ek het die koms van die winter gevrees...
So kom ek toe te hore van Dr Alby Ford, 'n homeopaat wat sy eie allergie-sentrum het in Lynnwood, Pretoria. Sy uitgangspunt is dat 'n mens nie hoef te bepaal wat die allergie / reaksie veroorsaak nie maar dat mens eerder die liggaam moet kry om nie meer te reageer om die allergeen nie!
Ek het beide my kinders gevat in April en hy het vir hul 'n serum voorberei deur van hul eie bloed te trek en waarin hul liggame blootgestel word aan verskeie allergene en so hul liggame 'gewoond' maak aan dit sodat hul nie meer reageer nie!
Ons is nou 'n maand en 'n half verder en ek kan met oortuiging se dat beide kinders se post-nasal-drip weg is, of soveel verbeter het dat ek dit nie meer opmerk nie! Ja, Danel het nog met tye 'n loperige neusie en Dohan 'n slym hoesie, maar hul word nie verder siek nie en binne 'n dag of twee klaar dit op.
Ek is hoopvol vir die winter wat voorle!
Mamma-groete,
~Denise~
''Allergies...Eczema...Post-nasal drip and Sinus! Seems you CAN get rid of your allergies after all!''
Dolf, my husband suffers with terrible sinus. The moment he eats dairy, sugar, wheat, etc. he gets one sinus attack after the other. Sometimes it gets so bad that it turns into bronchitis and he has to use antibiotics. Myself, on the other hand, developed eczema at the age of 30!
My son, Dohan (3) has had eczema since he was 7 months old and is still suffering. Danel, my daughter (1) fortunately does not have eczema, but at the beginning of the year I noticed that both my kids have phlem and started to wonder if perhaps they do not have a post-nasal drip. Normally, this drip will develop into a cough, which in Danel's case, leads to croup and then bronchitis and in Dohan's case develops into an upper respiratory infection which also leads to a prescription for antibiotics.
I feared the winter...
I heard of Dr Alby Ford, a homeopath with his own allergy Centre in Lynnwood, Pretoria. The principle behind his centre is that one does not need to know exactly which allergens cause the allergy / allergic reaction. One should rather desensitise the body against these allergens.
So, In April I took both my kids to Dr Ford, who then started the desensitisation therapy (Allergostop) during which their immune systems will be strengthened against the allergens until the systems do not react anymore.
It is now one and a half months further and I can say with conviction that both my kids no longer have a post-nasal drip.
At times, Danel still has a runny nose and Dohan a wet cough, but that is where it stops, and within a day or two it has cleared once again.
Now I am full of hope for the coming winter!
Mom-greetings.
~Denise~
Take the next step and free yourself from your allergies!