Should My Child Try Food Allergy Treatment (Oral Immunotherapy)?

Use this tool to help decide if this treatment is right for your child and family.

This Tool Was Taken and Adapted from the ACAAI

If your child has a confirmed food allergy, a treatment option called Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) may offer additional protection against severe allergic reactions. OIT slowly exposes an allergic child to very precise, gradually increasing amounts of a specific food allergen—such as eggs, milk, tree nuts, or peanuts—so their immune system becomes less likely to react after an accidental ingestion.

That means if your child accidentally eats something containing their allergen, the treatment is designed to protect them from a severe, life-threatening reaction. However, even with this treatment, your child MUST continue to avoid their target food and carry two epinephrine auto-injectors at all times.

It’s important to understand:

• OIT is not a cure – your child will still have a food allergy and must actively avoid that food in everyday life.
• It is not meant to allow unrestricted eating – it will not automatically enable your child to freely eat the food anytime or in any amount they wish.
• It requires strict routine – it works only while your child is taking their specific dose on a daily basis.
• Safety rules still apply – your child will need to continue to carry two epinephrine auto-injectors, and your family will still need to read food labels closely.
• Side effects are possible – mild to moderate allergic symptoms can occur due to the treatment itself, especially during dose increases.

For many children with food allergies and their parents, the peace of mind and protection against accidental exposure make the daily commitment worth the effort. This tool is designed to help you prepare for a conversation with your allergist to decide if OIT is a good fit for your family.

How to use this tool:

1. Read the general facts about food allergies and how immunotherapy works.
2. Respond to a few simple statements based on your child’s temperament and daily routines.
3. Bring your answers to your next clinic consultation to discuss a personalized plan.

About Food Allergies

Food allergies are incredibly common in children, with milk, eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts making up some of the most frequent triggers. Protein from these foods can be hidden in many different types of pre-packaged meals, baked goods, and restaurant dishes, making accidental exposure a constant concern. The consequences of an accidental exposure can range from mild hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

To prevent allergic reactions, families are taught strict avoidance: asking what ingredients are in food before eating, meticulously checking nutrition labels, and always carrying two epinephrine auto-injectors. While avoidance is highly effective, many families seek an extra layer of protection to reduce the constant anxiety of a severe reaction from an accidental bite. Whether a child is undergoing treatment or practicing strict avoidance, if an allergic reaction occurs, epinephrine should be administered immediately, and emergency services should be contacted.

About Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)

Oral Immunotherapy is a medical treatment strategy utilized by specialists to manage allergies to eggs, milk, tree nuts, and peanuts. It works by deliberately exposing the child’s immune system to a tiny, microscopic amount of the allergen every single day.

The treatment process is highly structured:

• The Initial Build-up: The child takes an exceptionally small, carefully measured dose of the food protein in a medical setting.
• The Daily Routine: Parents mix this precise dose of allergen powder or liquid into a safe food at home every day.
• The Escalation Phase: Every few weeks, the child returns to the office to safely increase the daily dose under direct medical supervision.
• The Maintenance Phase: Once the target safety dose is achieved, the child stays on that daily dose indefinitely to maintain their protection.

There are several daily rules to keep in mind. The treatment dose should always be taken with a substantial meal. Furthermore, physical activity must be carefully managed: children should avoid strenuous exercise, hot baths, or rough play for at least two hours after taking their daily dose, as an elevated body temperature and heart rate can increase the risk of a treatment-induced allergic reaction.

Comparison Chart

There are two options to avoid a reaction for those with food allergies. One is to continue to avoid the causative food and carry two autoinjectors of epinephrine. The other is to continue to do those things, as well as daily oral immunotherapy.

This chart explains more about the two options.

If this treatment is right for you, call and schedule a consultation with any of our providers at 916-453-8696.