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I've been getting allergy shots for almost three years and it's no big deal. I just show up once a month, get my shots, and go home.
Hi,
Allergy shots work about 80% of the time but of course not for everyone. Those patients may at some point have a choice to do nothing..., or something that really sounds extreme (to others).
Future research may extract the mechanism behind hookworms being able to reduce allergic processes. In such a case, worm infection may no longer be necessary.
Understand that research can lead to more acceptable treatments. But the research requires people that are open-minded and brave enough to allow them to be placed at risk. We are actually fortunate to have people in the world that will volunteer for scientific studies. I know some of them are desperate for a remedy but it is their choice.
Fortunately we have our own choice.
J. Thompson, MD
I for one would probably do it, especially in a controlled study situation. I have confidence that if I were to be infected with the worms and got relief from my many nasal allergy issues, I would be a sycophant for life. I most likely would not go the route of the doctor who went to Africa and walked around barefoot in open latrines to infect myself. I would say that to be slightly nuts and/or recklessly stupid. On first blush, I thought wow that is crazy... however the more I read and kept an open mind I was intrigued. I am actually starting my first round (of many years most likely) of allergy shots this upcoming week. So, honestly with the travel, medical expenses and psychic toll I would seriously consider it. It would seem if I were to be infected and from what I read to be true and I wanted to back out, I could easily and inexpensively be treated to remove the parasite from my body. For me, I am all in... however will read more before doing the blind purchase from an unscrupulous internet vendor. On a similar topic, aren't some Doctor's out there considering or currently are using LEECHES in blood disorder treatments in the United States? Thank you for your time and feedback Dr. Thompson.
Hi Will,
Wow! Leeches!
That goes back several decades/centuries, as a treatment for all kinds of disorders. I know recent reports talk about how some doctors are revisiting this practice. I am not a fan though. I stick to FDA approved treatments. I prefer to use leeches as fishing bait.
I'm glad you will continue to do your research before allowing for worm infection. I don't really know how cheap de-worming is but perhaps you have looked into it. I would be very careful about any internet based offers regarding medical treatment.
Good Luck!
J. Thompson, MD
For someone who lived in Africa for all her childhood to late teen years, it is not a bad idea neither gross. I rather do that than to take prescription drugs that may have an effect on me down the road. Never suffered from allergy/asthma till I moved to the States. Seeing what my son goes through with asthma attacks, I will do it in a minute. I am a living proof, nothing happened to me or numerious people that I know that lived in Africa. It is all natural remedy, no harm. People here rely too much on prescription drugs and always want a quick fix is why there are too many people dying of drug overdose.
Individuals who think a natural treatments like the one being discussed is "gross" probably don't realize that they have a pound of bacteria co-existing on their bodies no matter how many showers they take. And, that the co-existence is beneficial and in some cases crucial to our survival. Unfortunately, the prescription drug cartels and big pharma have successfully coerced the public into believing that their synthetic chemicals are the sole solution to our ailments (wether we actually have an ailment or not). I think readers of these articles and posts should visit: http://www.naturalnews.com/drug_cartel.html
Think for yourself, question authority.
I would defianately rather have hook worm! If I was healthey enough, I would do this. I cannot even take any pills for headaches caused by my allergies because of my kidneys. If I knew it wouldn't make me have to be on any medication later on in life, I would do it! I didn't have allergies until I decided to quit smoking! I even tried going back to smoking, it's way better than allergy symptoms. But now that doesn't even work. So there is nothing I have found to stop the runny/stuffy noses, the 5-10 sneezes in a row all day long, the sinus headaches, the dizziness, the "not being able to remember what you were doing right before a sneezing fit" The limit on jobs you can apply for because of environment issues that provoke the symptoms, the people who you do work with that get really sick of you for sneezing all the time and the fact that you cannot enjoy going anywhere, because you barely know where you are after all the stuffiness and sneezing! Hookworm that may effect what comes out when I move my bowels and that's it! Yes, hookworm sounds real good!
Personally I don't understand why people would be disgusted at the idea of Hookworm infection. To me it seems like a great alternative to annoying jabs and repetitive doctors appointments.
Don't these people know that we have parasites in and on us from before we're even born? And that most food products, especially processed foods contain insects and other 'disgusting' creatures that have fallen in dusring processing? And that other cultures love eating these 'horrible' creatures and are far more open minded than the western world? And that some medicine is made directly from processed insects/worms/etc and/or their parts? Or that in our gut the number of parasitic bacteria is greater than the total number of our own cells in the human body, and that without most of these 'parasites' we wouldn't even be alive? Mitochondria is a parasite/symbiote, and that allows us to breathe oxygen! Did I meantion Yogurt and how it's TEEMING with bacteria? Are you going to stop eating that too?
It seems that people that wallow in ignorance are easily disgusted because they're finally confronted with reality and have ridiculous double standards. Get over yourselfs.
I think most people who have a horrified reaction to hookworm treatment don't have allergies. They dont understand how compromising severe allergies can be. I have hayfever AND eczema, its very frustrating to live with and Im sick of taking antihistamines and using steriods for treatment. I can't have a cat or dog, eat anything raw, ride a horse, or even vacuum my house without having a sneezing fit and/or breaking out in a rash. After being tested I found that I am allergic to most grasses, trees and molds.
I am seriously considering the hookworm treatment, especially since they are treatable if I decide that I don't want them. I am in agreement with others who have commented on thier aversion to using prescription drugs. How can drugs be healthier than using microbes or parasites? There are many species of animals that have symbiotic relationships with parasites, why can't humans as well?
Hi Dr. Nolapnut,
Thanks for your comments. I don't know that the answers to your questions are available. The mechanism of how the allergy limb of the immune system is suppressed by the presence of hookworms is still under study.
Research on identifying the most influential epitopes on allergy food trigger is also ongoing as you know, by your own involvement. You summarized major areas of pursuit in food allergy very well. Those heat stable allergens in nuts are tricky. I would like to know more about your findings in the future.
The parasite connection with allergy suppression is all but simple and as expected, associated with significant drawbacks. I don't think allowing hookworms to penetrate your skin and reside in the intestines is a promising treatment plan to date. But it makes for great discussion and speculation.
Best Wishes!
J. Thompson, MD
Hi Dr. Nolapnut,
Thanks for your comments. I don't know that the answers to your questions are available. The mechanism of how the allergy limb of the immune system is suppressed by the presence of hookworms is still under study.
Research on identifying the most influential epitopes on allergy food trigger is also ongoing as you know, by your own involvement. You summarized major areas of pursuit in food allergy very well. Those heat stable allergens in nuts are tricky. I would like to know more about your findings in the future.
The parasite connection with allergy suppression is all but simple and as expected, associated with significant drawbacks. I don't think allowing hookworms to penetrate your skin and reside in the intestines is a promising treatment plan to date. But it makes for great discussion and speculation.
Best Wishes!
J. Thompson, MD
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That is gross! I hate worms and would not choose to infect myself with them... If I had allergies, I'd rather take the meds.
Hi Syd,
I am certain there are many others who share the same sentiment as you. Yet, according to the article I reviewed, some people are eager to get their dose of hookworms in order to better manage their allergy problems. As they say: "To each his own".
Personally, I prefer to keep the worms I am willing to touch, on the end of a hook attached to a fishing line.
Thanks for sharing,
J. Thompson, MD
Not so gross if you are a cronic alergy and asthma sufferer. Shots didn't help me. I always sound stuffy even with daily allergy pills. If my doctor had worms to treat me, I'd give it a try.
I've seen magots used for gangrene and did a great job. Go worms!
Thanks for tuning in Jbn.
You are right desperation can lead you down all sorts of paths when you are searching for a solution. Furthermore, whether something is "gross" or not depends on the individuals perception.
Best Wishes,
J. Thompson, MD