What is OIT? Oral immunotherapy is a treatment program to retrain the body to accept a previously allergenic food protein. A patient orally consumes increasing amounts of a protein in a safe environment in the presence of a highly specialized allergist. The goal is to allow a patient to eat an allergenic protein, in a small amount, without the risk of anaphylaxis. This is referred to as a threshold change, the amount that can be safely consumed without reacting.

Who is a candidate for OIT? Children and adults with a history of a reaction to food ingestion and positive allergy tests may be candidates for OIT. An in office food challenge may be necessary to confirm an allergy.

How long is the treatment program? Most patients will reach the OIT goal in 6-8 mos. Time varies with food reactions, infections, and scheduling conflicts (travel, school).

What is the OIT protocol?

Day 1: mini-challenge. five very dilute doses of food are given over a four hour visit. This helps determine a safe starting dose.

Day 14: starting dose is given and repeat increasing doses are given every 2 weeks until a maintenance dose is reached in approximately 6-8 mos. Between visits a maintenance dose is given daily at home.

What if a patient misses a 2 week up dosing? A missed visit is ok as long as the maintenance dose continues to be given at home. Patients should only increase dosing in the presence of the allergist.

What is the follow up schedule after completing OIT? Patients will be given a high dose challenge three months after completing OIT, and again at 6 months and then annually. Blood and skin testing will be repeated to check for resolution of the allergy. It is recommended to continue to carry epinephrine until allergy tests shows resolution of the allergy.

What are next steps to begin OIT? Schedule an initial consult with our allergist. Text or call 305 282-3386 to make your appointment.