Food Allergy Treatment Options
For many people with food allergies, the primary treatment is avoiding the trigger food. Patients with more severe allergies may also be prescribed epinephrine (EpiPens®) to treat accidental reactions. For those who want to take an additional step, newer therapies are available that may help reduce sensitivity to certain foods. At The Allergy & Asthma Center, we offer advanced treatments such as Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) and Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) for patients interested in these options.
Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)
Beyond Avoidance
What Is OIT?
Oral Immunotherapy is a medically supervised treatment designed to desensitize the immune system by gradually introducing small, controlled amounts of a food allergen.
How Does OIT Work?
The process starts with an Initial Escalation of micro-doses, followed by a Build-up Phase of bi-weekly increases, leading to a daily Maintenance Phase to ensure long-term safety.
Clinical Monitoring
Patient safety is paramount. Every treatment dose and increase is administered under the strict supervision of our clinical team to manage immune responses effectively.
Benefits of OIT
Completing OIT significantly lowers the risk of severe reactions from accidental exposures, providing patients and their families with life-changing freedom and peace of mind.
Possible Side Effects
Common side effects are manageable and may include oral itching or mild stomach upset. Our team monitors every reaction to adjust treatments and ensure continued safety and comfort.
Beyond Avoidance
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)
What Is SLIT?
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) is a needle-free method of desensitizing the body to food allergens. Instead of injections, liquid drops containing small amounts of the allergen are placed under the tongue to build tolerance.
How Does SLIT Work?
Patients administer doses daily at home after an initial in-clinic session. The treatment gradually builds the immune system’s tolerance by exposing it to consistent, safe amounts of the allergen, reducing the severity of reactions over time.
Benefits of SLIT
SLIT provides a convenient and safe alternative for families who prefer to avoid needles. It is particularly effective for managing environmental allergies and certain food sensitivities with a high safety profile and at-home ease of use.
Safety and Side Effects
While generally very safe, some patients may experience mild itching or swelling under the tongue. These symptoms are usually temporary. Our clinical team monitors your progress closely to ensure safety throughout your treatment journey.
Dr. Kabir on SLIT: Advancing Allergy Treatment for Patients
Learn how Sublingual Immunotherapy is providing a safe, needle-free alternative for managing allergies, helping many patients find long-term relief from comfort of their homes.