Safe. Effective. Life-Changing treatment for children and adults with food allergies.
Freedom from Food Allergies Starts Here with Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)
Explore how Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) can transform the lives of those with food allergies, providing hope and safety through innovative treatment options.
Comprehensive Insight into Food Allergies
What is OIT? (Oral Immunotherapy)
Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) is a groundbreaking treatment that helps people with food allergies build tolerance to the foods that once put them at risk. Rather than continuing to avoid a specific allergen entirely—like peanuts, milk, or eggs—OIT introduces tiny, carefully measured doses of the allergen in a safe, clinical setting. Over time, the amount is gradually increased, training the immune system to become less reactive.
This doesn’t mean food allergies are “cured,” but it can significantly lower the chances of a serious reaction if the allergen is accidentally eaten. Many patients even reach the point where they can enjoy these foods regularly without fear.
Benefits of OIT:
• Reduces risk of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis
• Helps protect against accidental exposure
• Improves quality of life and reduces anxiety around food
• Often allows patients to include previously off-limit foods in their diet
At The Allergy Group, we tailor the OIT protocol to each individual, using evidence-based methods and constant monitoring to ensure safety and success throughout the journey.
Who is a Candidate for OIT?
OIT isn’t right for everyone—but for many families, it can be life-changing.
We typically recommend OIT for:
- Children age 4 and older with confirmed food allergies
- Adults with food allergies looking for long-term risk reduction
- Families motivated to commit to a structured, long-term treatment plan
- Patients who are otherwise healthy and can tolerate the treatment protocol
- Anyone looking to reduce daily fear and food anxiety in social or school situations
Common Allergens Treated with OIT at The Allergy Group:
- Peanuts
- Tree Nuts (e.g., cashew, walnut)
- Cow’s Milk
- Eggs
- Wheat
- Sesame
- And others on a case-by-case basis
You might be a great candidate if:
✅ You’ve been diagnosed with a food allergy through testing
✅ You worry about accidental exposure at school, restaurants, or family gatherings
✅ You or your child have had to carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen)
✅ You want more freedom and less fear around food choices
If this sounds like you or your child, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. We’ll perform a thorough evaluation to determine if OIT is the right option.
How Does the OIT Process Work?
The OIT journey is carefully structured to build tolerance safely and effectively over time. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Initial Evaluation
Comprehensive Allergy Consultation
Every OIT journey begins with a comprehensive allergy consultation. We’ll review your medical history, conduct or review allergy testing, and talk about your goals. If OIT is a good fit, we’ll design a personalized plan.
Step 2: Dose Escalation (Build-Up Phase)
Gradual Increase of Allergenic Food
In this phase, you’ll begin with a very small dose of the allergenic food—far below the amount that would trigger a reaction. Doses are increased slowly under the close supervision of your allergy provider, often during weekly or bi-weekly visits. Each increase is done in-office so we can monitor for any reactions. Once a new dose is tolerated safely, it becomes your new “daily dose” at home until the next step up.
Step 3: Maintenance Phase
Achieving and Sustaining Tolerance
After you reach your target dose—often equivalent to a full serving of the food—you’ll stay on that dose daily. This continued exposure helps maintain your tolerance over time. Most patients remain in the maintenance phase long-term, with fewer clinic visits but ongoing communication with your allergy provider.
Step 4: Long-Term Monitoring & Support
Continuous Guidance and Adjustments
OIT requires commitment—but you’re never alone. The Allergy Group provides ongoing access to your provider, guidance on managing missed doses, illness, and travel, support for school accommodations and family planning, and adjustments to your plan as needed. We understand that every patient is different, and we’re here to help guide you every step of the way—from the first dose to long-term success.
How Is OIT Different from SLIT?
While Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) and Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) both aim to reduce allergic reactions to food, they work in different ways.
- OIT involves eating small, gradually increasing amounts of the allergenic food, eventually reaching a protective maintenance dose—often a full serving or “bite-proof” amount.
- SLIT delivers tiny amounts of the allergen under the tongue, where it’s absorbed by the immune system in much smaller doses.
OIT typically leads to stronger desensitization, offering more protection against accidental exposures. SLIT may be a better fit for those looking for a gentler approach with fewer side effects, though it generally provides a lower level of tolerance.
Both options are evolving and may be appropriate for different patients. At The Allergy Group, we’ll help you understand the best path forward based on your unique needs and goals.
OIT vs. SLIT – A Quick Comparison
| OIT (Oral Immunotherapy) | SLIT (Sublingual Immunotherapy) | |
|---|---|---|
| How It’s Given | Swallowed doses of food allergen | Drops of allergen placed under the tongue |
| Dose Level | Higher doses (often full serving) | Very small doses (micrograms) |
| Goal | Strong desensitization or bite-proof dose | Reduce sensitivity and reaction severity |
| Common Side Effects | GI upset, mild allergic reactions | Mouth or throat itching |
| Who It’s Best For | Families seeking stronger protection | Those wanting a gentler, low-risk option |
| Treatment Setting | Clinic-supervised with at-home dosing | Mostly home-based with periodic check-ins |
Common Questions About Food Allergies
Understanding food allergies is crucial for managing symptoms and ensuring safety. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate this condition.
How long will the entire process take?
The first day procedure will take about 3 hours. If there are no reactions during the escalation phase, your child will be eating a full serving of the allergenic food in 3-9 months.
Should routine allergy medications be stopped before the first day procedure?
No. Patients should take all routine medications as they normally would during OIT.
What is the timeline for the months after the first day?
Exactly how it will go depends on each individual child. If everything goes well, some amount of the allergenic food will be ingested during the 2nd – 3rd month and a whole serving of the allergenic food may be ingested by the 4th – 9th month.
How often can the dose be increased?
The interval between dose increases is a minimum of seven days.
What time of day should home doses be given?
Doses should be daily preferably before 7 pm. You should try to give the once a day dose at the same time every day (24 hours +/- 2 hours).
What about home dosing on the day of the office visit for dose increase?
You have already had this dose in office. DO NOT give the home dose.
If there is a reaction at home, what should I do?
Treat the reaction the same way you would any food reaction; antihistamine if there is just rash/hives, Epi-pen if there are other symptoms of anaphylaxis. If there are only mild hives or oral itch, DO NOT give antihistamine for the first hour to see if the reaction progresses. If the hives/oral itch are increasing, give antihistamine. Call us after the appropriate immediate intervention. We will give instructions on future dosing.
What if we are flying when the dose is due?
Do not administer the dose less than 3 hours before boarding and do not administer the dose while flying.
At what point can we buy our own food?
When dosing with whole food, patients will be required to buy their own food. Peanut: When dosing with whole peanuts, patients will be required to buy their own peanuts. Peanut butter or peanut flour may be substituted as directed by The Allergy Group staff.
Egg: all maintenance doses with liquid egg white will be provided by the patient’s family.
Milk: Once whole milk (undiluted) at full dose is being used, it can be prepared at home. Milk should be Horizon Organic Whole Milk.
Wheat: When dosing with Daves Awesome Bagel, patients will be required to buy their own and bring to each dosing appointment.
Can whole eggs be substituted for liquid egg white?
Liquid egg white should be used for all dose increases and maintenance dosing. When the child is on the maintenance dose then other forms of egg may be added to the diet upon discussion with The Allergy Group staff. Whole egg should never be used in place of liquid egg white for the daily egg dose.
At what point can the milk product be varied?
When the oral immunotherapy is complete, if everything goes well, maintenance doses may be given with either 2% or whole milk and any brand of cow’s milk may be used. The Allergy Group staff will direct you accordingly.
Does the food solution need refrigeration?
There are no preservatives in the food solution. It MUST be kept cold/refrigerated.
What do I do if refrigeration is not maintained or if it smells or tastes different?
If the sample sits out for more than 30 minutes or if it appears to have spoiled, the solution must be replaced.
Please inform The Allergy Group staff.
What if I need additional doses and I am out of town?
Call as soon as you know you will need more. You must be able to tell us the concentration and amount of the current dose. If a staff member needs to come in at night, on a weekend or holiday, there will be an additional charge of $50. This fee cannot be charged to your insurance.
What if my child is sick and can’t take the doses on schedule?
Treat the reaction the same way you would any other food reaction: antihistamine if there is just a rash, epinephrine if there are other symptoms of anaphylaxis. If there is just one wait to give the antihistamine to see if the reaction gets better or progresses. If there are more hives, give the antihistamine. Call us after the appropriate immediate intervention. We will instruct on further dosing.
What about masking the taste of the food solution?
Taste is personal experience. Try drinking powder (Kool-Aide, Crystal Light), chocolate or another beverage. The food powder or small solution volumes could be mixed with a small amount of a semi-solid food such as apple sauce or mashed potato. Try to give the dose in one bite to ensure that the entire dose of oral immunotherapy mixture is taken. If the total amount gets too large, it will be hard to get it all down.
May Egg Beaters be used for dosing in egg OIT?
Egg Beaters are not permitted because they are not complete eggs.
When can foods containing the allergenic food be introduced into the regular diet?
Foods containing the allergenic food may be introduced into the diet at the end of the entire oral immunotherapy escalation process as instructed by your provider and the Allergy Group Staff.
What is the goal of this process?
The number one goal is safety; to allow the patient to ingest the allergenic food and foods that contain the allergenic food without thinking about it.
What is the follow up schedule when maintenance dosing is reached?
When the maintenance dose has been reached, there is a follow-up at 6-12 months (with bloodwork) and then every 12 months. Food specific IgE levels should be drawn yearly on maintenance dosing.
Does my child need to avoid exercise during the oral immunotherapy process?
Exercise should be avoided for at least two hours after dosing and doses should not be given immediately following exercise. Exercise around the time of dosing increases the chance of a reaction. Exercise restriction applies to both escalation and maintenance dosing.
Can multiple oral immunotherapy foods be given at the same time?
Yes. The Allergy Group staff will guide you.
How soon after completion of the oral immunotherapy process can a food challenge be done for another food?
Your child may do a food challenge for a different food 1 week after completing oral immunotherapy.
If my child is allergic to multiple foods will completing OIT for one food help treat other food allergies?
Each Food OIT Program is food specific. Completing one program does not treat other food allergies. Ask your provider for more specific information for treating multiple food allergies.
How soon after completion of the oral immunotherapy process can a second oral immunotherapy program be performed for another food?
Your child may begin a second oral immunotherapy program while doing the program for another food. The Allergy Group staff will guide you.
Why Choose The Allergy Group for OIT?
• Board-certified allergists experienced in OIT
• Personalized care plans tailored to individual needs
• Six convenient clinic locations across the Treasure Valley
• Proven safety protocols and track record of success
• Focus on whole-family education and support
Don’t let food allergies control your life. Our expert team at The Allergy Group is here to help you identify and manage your allergies effectively. Schedule an appointment with us today to start your journey towards a healthier, allergy-free life.