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Food OIT is a structured, medically supervised therapy that gives gradually increasing amounts of a food allergen over several months to build tolerance and reduce allergic reactions.
It is for people with food allergies, especially those who have had life-threatening reactions or struggle to avoid specific foods, most commonly allergies to peanuts, milk, eggs, tree nuts, and in some cases wheat. An allergy specialist should confirm whether it is the right option for you.
After an initial consultation and medical testing, treatment begins with a very small dose of the allergenic food that is increased in small increments over multiple sessions until a maintenance phase is reached. You are monitored for reactions throughout and given pre-treatment instructions, such as stopping certain medications like antihistamines beforehand.
At Allergy Asthma, we are committed to helping you manage your food allergies with the latest and most effective treatments. One such treatment is Food Oral Immunotherapy (OIT), a promising therapy that can help reduce the severity of allergic reactions to certain foods over time. Food OIT is a process where a person with a food allergy consumes small, controlled amounts of the allergenic food, gradually increasing the dose under medical supervision to build tolerance. This innovative therapy is changing the way we manage food allergies, providing hope for those who have lived with potentially life-threatening food allergies. Our practice serves patients from Washington Heights, Hamilton Heights, Staten Island, and Brooklyn (Bay Ridge), offering expert care and individualized treatment plans.
If you or a loved one suffers from a food allergy and are looking for a long-term solution to reduce allergic reactions, Food OIT might be right for you. This treatment is typically used for allergies to foods like peanuts, milk, eggs, and tree nuts. At Allergy Asthma, we offer Food OIT in a safe, monitored setting, with your comfort and health as our top priority.
Food Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) is a treatment designed to desensitize individuals to specific food allergens. It involves gradually introducing small amounts of the allergenic food into the body, starting with a very tiny dose and slowly increasing the quantity over time. The goal is to build up the person’s tolerance to the food, reducing the severity of allergic reactions if the food is accidentally consumed.
OIT is done in a controlled, medical environment to ensure safety.
The process typically involves multiple sessions over a period of several months.
Over time, patients may be able to consume small amounts of the allergenic food without severe reactions.
Food OIT is a safe and effective method for many patients with food allergies, and it can significantly improve their quality of life.
Food OIT works by exposing the immune system to a specific food in increasing amounts. The goal is to change how the immune system responds to the food, teaching the body to tolerate the food without reacting. Here's how it typically works:
Initial dose: The process begins with a very small amount of the allergenic food, which is administered under strict medical supervision.
Gradual increase: Over time, the dose is increased in small increments. This gradual approach allows the immune system to become accustomed to the food.
Maintenance phase: Once a certain level of tolerance is reached, the patient enters a maintenance phase, where they may continue to consume the food regularly at a safe amount.
Throughout the entire process, patients are monitored for any signs of an allergic reaction, and the treatment is adjusted as needed to ensure safety.
Food OIT may be beneficial for individuals with certain food allergies, especially those who have had life-threatening reactions in the past or have difficulty avoiding specific foods. This treatment is most commonly used for:
Peanut allergies
Milk allergies
Egg allergies
Tree nut allergies (e.g., almonds, walnuts, cashews)
Wheat allergies (in some cases)
Patients who have severe food allergies that cause frequent or dangerous reactions may find that Food OIT helps them manage these risks more effectively. However, it is important to consult with an allergy specialist to determine if this treatment is right for you.
Food OIT is a safe treatment when performed in a controlled, medical setting under the supervision of trained allergy specialists. While it is generally well-tolerated, there is always a risk of allergic reactions, which is why the treatment is done gradually and with constant monitoring. Some potential risks include:
Mild allergic reactions (e.g., itching, hives)
More severe reactions (e.g., difficulty breathing, swelling)
Anaphylaxis (a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction), though this is rare and managed immediately with emergency treatment
At Allergy Asthma, your safety is our top priority. We take every precaution to ensure that you are properly monitored throughout the treatment process to minimize any potential risks.
Before beginning Food OIT, there are a few important steps to prepare for the treatment process:
Consultation: You'll need an initial consultation with an allergy specialist to evaluate your medical history, food allergies, and whether OIT is right for you.
Medical testing: We may perform additional tests to determine the severity of your food allergy and confirm that OIT is an appropriate option.
Pre-treatment instructions: We will provide specific instructions on how to prepare for the treatment, including stopping certain medications like antihistamines before the process begins.
During the treatment, we will guide you through each phase, ensuring that you understand every step and feel confident in the process.
At Allergy Asthma, we specialize in helping patients with food allergies manage their conditions safely and effectively. Our team is experienced in performing Food Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) and works closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan. Whether you're located in Washington Heights, Hamilton Heights, Staten Island, or Brooklyn (Bay Ridge), we offer expert care tailored to your unique needs.
If you're tired of living with the constant fear of food allergies, Food OIT may be the solution you're looking for. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward managing your food allergies with confidence.
Burks, A. W., & James, J. M. (2020). Oral Immunotherapy for Food Allergy. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 145(5), 1083-1092.
Sampson, H. A., et al. (2019). Oral Immunotherapy for Food Allergy: A New Era of Treatment. Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 19(3), 199-204.
Nowak-Wegrzyn, A., & Wood, R. A. (2021). Food Oral Immunotherapy: Current Status and Future Directions. Allergy, 76(9), 2675-2682.