What is Oral Immunotherapy?
Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) is a medical treatment for food allergies, in which a person is gradually exposed to small, controlled amounts of the allergenic food in order to build up tolerance. The goal of OIT is to desensitize the immune system to the food allergen, reducing the severity of allergic reactions over time and improving the patient’s ability to safely tolerate accidental exposures.
How Oral Immunotherapy Works?
Oral immunotherapy works by introducing small amounts of the food allergen into the body, typically in the form of a powder, liquid, or capsule. These doses are started at a very low level and are gradually increased over weeks or months under the supervision of a healthcare provider. The goal is to "train" the immune system to become less reactive to the allergen.
Common Symptoms of Food Allergies Treated with Oral Immunotherapy?
The symptoms of food allergies vary in severity and can range from mild to life-threatening. Common symptoms include:
Mild to moderate reactions:
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Hives or itching
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Swelling of lips, face, or throat
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Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
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Itchy or watery eyes
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Sneezing or nasal congestion
Severe Reactions (Anaphylaxis):
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Difficulty Breathing
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Swelling of the throat or tongue
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Rapid pulse or a drop in blood pressure
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Dizziness or fainting
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Loss of consciousness
Benefits of Oral Immunotherapy?
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Desensitization: OIT helps the immune system gradually adjust to an allergen, reducing the likelihood or severity of an allergic reaction after accidental exposure.
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Increased Tolerance: OIT helps the immune system gradually adjust to an allergen, reducing the likelihood or severity of an allergic reaction after accidental exposure.
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Improved quality of life: OIT helps the immune system gradually adjust to an allergen, reducing the likelihood or severity of an allergic reaction after accidental exposure.
Risks and Side Effects?
While OIT is generally considered safe when done under medical supervision, it carries risks, especially during the initial stages of treatment. Some potential side effects and risks include:
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Allergic reactions during Treatment: OIT helps the immune system gradually adjust to an allergen, reducing the likelihood or severity of an allergic reaction after accidental exposure.
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Gastrointestinal Symptoms: OIT helps the immune system gradually adjust to an allergen, reducing the likelihood or severity of an allergic reaction after accidental exposure.
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Risk of Anaphylaxis: OIT helps the immune system gradually adjust to an allergen, reducing the likelihood or severity of an allergic reaction after accidental exposure.
Because of these risks, OIT is typically done in a medical setting, especially during the dose escalation phase, with medical staff available to manage any reactions.
Ongoing Treatment and Maintenance
After the initial dose escalation phase, the patient enters a maintenance phase, where they continue to consume a consistent dose of the allergenic food daily. This phase may last for several months or even years. Some patients may eventually reach a point where they no longer need to continue daily doses, while others may need to maintain treatment long-term.
Eligibility for Oral Immunotherapy
Not all patients with food allergies are candidates for oral immunotherapy. The decision to pursue OIT is based on:
- The specific food allergen(s) involved
- The severity of the allergy
- The patient's age, medical history, and ability to tolerate the treatment
- Previous reactions to the food
- The patient’s ability to commit to the treatment schedule and follow-up appointments