OIT (Oral Immunotherapy) is a treatment method that aims to desensitize individuals with food allergies by gradually increasing the amount of the allergenic food they consume on a regular basis. Some patients will develop long-term tolerance or remission. This approach tends to work best in younger patients.
OIT involves administering small, increasing doses of the food allergen over time, usually starting with a very tiny amount. The goal is to build up tolerance to the allergen, thereby reducing the risk of severe allergic reactions upon exposure. This process typically involves:
-
Initial dose escalation in a controlled environment (like a clinic)
-
Regular maintenance doses consumed at home
Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of OIT in increasing the threshold for allergic reactions in food-allergic individuals. Notable findings include:
-
Research shows that many patients can ingest a small amount of the allergenic food without experiencing an allergic reaction after undergoing OIT
-
Long-term studies suggest that some individuals maintain a tolerance and develop remission even after discontinuation of therapy
See your allergist to learn more. OIT is done with an allergist and should not be done alone.