Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) is a revolutionary treatment for food allergies that aims to desensitize the immune system to specific allergens. Under strict medical supervision, patients consume gradually increasing amounts of the food they are allergic to, starting with minuscule doses. Over time, this process helps to “retrain” the immune system, reducing the severity of allergic reactions and offering protection against accidental exposure. While OIT doesn’t typically “cure” the allergy, it significantly improves quality of life by increasing the patient’s tolerance to the allergen, thereby lessening anxiety around food and minimizing the risk of severe reactions.
Oral Immunotherapy
What is Oral Immunotherapy?
Oral immunotherapy is a method of desensitizing yourself to food allergies. Bellagio Family Medical, is the first allergist in Arizona to offer this innovative solution, starting in 2015. With oral immunotherapy, you consume very tiny quantities of food allergens to increase your tolerance over time. The oral immunotherapy process is similar to allergy shots because the goal is a gradual increase in the allergic threshold. After achieving desensitization, food allergy presents far less risk. Oral immunotherapy could be a life-saving measure for severely allergic patients. After the oral immunotherapy program, most patients can even enjoy eating the food they previously had reactions to. This new tolerance can last for months or even years.
Does oral immunotherapy really work?
Oral immunotherapy is remarkably effective for peanut, milk, and egg allergies. Studies show that it effectively desensitized up to 80% of patients, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.
What is the oral immunotherapy process like?
Oral immunotherapy is a highly precise science in which dosages are often mere milligrams. Even a small miscalculation could be dangerous, which is why you must work with the area’s leading specialists.
The Bellagio Family Medical, oral immunotherapy program team includes an expert allergist and food allergy nurse who determine precise dosing levels. You’re continually monitored for your safety.
When you’re in the oral immunotherapy program at Bellagio Family Medical, you get special benefits, including 24/7 contact with the board-certified allergist and nurse.
The dedicated oral immunotherapy program team tailors your care, making adjustments whenever necessary, to safely deliver optimal results.
How long does the oral immunotherapy program last?
It varies with patient and allergens, but in general, most oral immunotherapy programs at Bellagio Family Medical, last 6-12 months.
You’ll undergo regular testing throughout the program to gauge clinical progress. The oral immunotherapy team adjusts your allergen dosage as needed throughout your program.
Overcoming food allergies is now possible, thanks to Arizona’s leading oral immunotherapy program at Bellagio Family Medical. Learn more about how the 24/7 access program works by calling the office nearest you or booking an appointment online.