ORAL IMMUNOTHERAPY FOR FOOD ALLERGIES

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) exposes people with food allergies to problem foods in small but increasing amounts to help the immune system begin to recognize the foods as safe. Allergies make the immune system overreact to allergens and release histamines, causing allergy symptoms. OIT takes place in a clinical setting where reactions can be monitored and controlled. A patient will ingest doses of the targeted allergen in amounts so small they won’t cause a reaction. Over time, these doses are increased to raise the threshold for allergic reactions to that substance. OIT does not cure people of allergies, and people who receive successful OIT treatments will still need to carry an epinephrine pen and limit their intake of the offending food.

P.S. Oral immunotherapy may be more effective with certain food allergens. The current recommendation for people with food allergies is to avoid the allergen and carry an epinephrine pen.

---

< < Back to All Articles