Oral Immunotherapy (OIT): Helping Children and Adults Live More Confidently with Food Allergies
For millions of families, food allergies affect every aspect of daily life. Reading ingredient labels, avoiding birthday treats, asking questions at restaurants, and worrying about accidental exposure can become part of everyday routines.
Fortunately, food allergy treatment has evolved.
Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) is helping many children and adults safely increase their tolerance to certain food allergens under the supervision of an experienced allergy specialist.
What Is Oral Immunotherapy?
Oral Immunotherapy is a medically supervised treatment that gradually introduces tiny amounts of an allergenic food into a patient’s diet. Over time, the dose is carefully increased with the goal of helping the immune system become less reactive.
The purpose of OIT is
not necessarily to cure food allergies, but rather to reduce the risk of severe reactions from accidental exposure and improve quality of life.
Many patients are able to enjoy greater peace of mind after successfully completing treatment.
Which Food Allergies Can Be Treated?
Many allergy practices now offer OIT for multiple food allergies, including:
- Peanut
- Tree nuts
- Milk
- Egg
- Sesame
- Wheat
- Soy
Treatment recommendations depend on each patient’s allergy history, testing results, and overall health.
Is OIT Safe?
Safety is always the highest priority.
Patients begin treatment under close medical supervision, and every dose increase is carefully monitored. Once patients reach maintenance, they continue taking a prescribed daily dose at home while maintaining regular follow-up visits.
Allied allergists will provide detailed instructions regarding exercise, illness, and other factors that may affect treatment.
Who Can Benefit from Oral Immunotherapy?
Many people assume OIT is only for young children, but that’s no longer the case.
Depending on medical history and evaluation,
both children and adults may be candidates for treatment.
Your allergist will determine whether OIT is appropriate based on:
- Allergy testing
- Previous allergic reactions
- Overall medical history
- Current medications
- Asthma control
Frequently Asked Questions
Does OIT cure food allergies?
No. OIT is designed to increase tolerance and reduce the risk of serious reactions after accidental exposure.
Can adults receive OIT?
Yes. Many adults with food allergies may qualify after evaluation by an allergy specialist.
How long does treatment take?
Treatment varies by patient and allergen. Many programs include an initial build-up phase followed by long-term maintenance.
Will I still need to carry epinephrine?
Yes. Even while participating in OIT, patients should continue carrying epinephrine unless instructed otherwise by their allergist.
The Benefits of OIT
Many patients report:
- Greater confidence eating away from home
- Less anxiety about accidental exposures
- Increased protection from severe reactions
- Improved quality of life for the entire family
Learn Whether OIT Is Right for You
Every patient is different, and the best treatment starts with a comprehensive allergy evaluation.
If you or your child has a food allergy, our experienced allergy specialists can determine whether Oral Immunotherapy may be an appropriate option and develop a personalized treatment plan. To learn more about OIT
click here.
Allied Physicians Group is a partnership of more than 150 dedicated, caring physicians and 350 highly trained support staff. We offer pediatric care, family medicine, and other specialties at our practice locations. Allied Physicians Group has office locations in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, and Orange Counties. If you are looking for a physician near you
click here, or for more information, please visit:
https://alliedphysiciansgroup.com.
