The Current State of Oral Immunotherapy

Living with a food allergy changes everything—how you shop, where you eat, what your child can safely enjoy. But there's new hope for families navigating these challenges. Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is becoming a widely recognized option for reducing allergic reactions and improving quality of life.

As clinical research grows and more allergy clinics adopt OIT, patients now have access to scientifically backed treatments that were unavailable a decade ago. In this article, we explore the current state of oral immunotherapy, from how it works to what it means for patients today—and how Empower Allergy Treatment is leading the way in San Diego.

What Is Oral Immunotherapy?

Oral immunotherapy, or OIT, is a method of gradually desensitizing patients to their food allergens by introducing very small, controlled doses of the allergen over time. These doses are increased slowly under medical supervision until the immune system becomes less reactive.

The goal of OIT is not necessarily to cure food allergies but to reduce the severity of reactions if accidental exposure occurs. This can offer a significant reduction in anxiety and risk for both patients and caregivers.

If you're new to the concept, our Oral Immunotherapy page breaks it down further with information specific to peanut, tree nut, milk, egg, and other common allergens.

Who Is a Candidate for OIT?

OIT isn’t for everyone—but many children and adults with diagnosed IgE-mediated food allergies can benefit. Candidates typically:

• Have a confirmed food allergy diagnosis (usually via an Oral Food Challenge or skin prick test)
• Are between the ages of 12 months and 55 years
• Can commit to a structured treatment schedule with daily dosing
• Do not have uncontrolled asthma or certain GI conditions like EoE

At Empower Allergy Treatment, we tailor every plan based on each patient’s age, medical history, lifestyle, and goals. Learn more about our personalized approach on our Services and Programs page.

Benefits of Oral Immunotherapy

Oral immunotherapy offers several potential benefits for individuals with food allergies and their families. These include:

• Reduced risk of severe allergic reactions from accidental exposures
• Improved peace of mind in daily life—eating out, traveling, or attending school
• Expanded dietary options, especially for children
• Potential for long-term tolerance in some patients
• Support for mental health, reducing anxiety and isolation often tied to severe allergies

OIT provides families with a proactive option beyond food avoidance, allowing for more flexibility, confidence, and a higher quality of life.

Challenges and Side Effects

Like all treatments, oral immunotherapy comes with risks. It's not a cure, and it’s not always smooth. Some patients experience:

• Mild to moderate reactions during up-dosing (e.g., hives, stomach discomfort)
• Rare but serious reactions like anaphylaxis (especially if doses are skipped or taken improperly)
• Fatigue or stress from the long-term commitment required
• Increased symptoms during illness or exercise, requiring careful scheduling

That’s why it's critical to work with an experienced team who understands the complexities of OIT. Empower provides 24/7 access to medical guidance and personalized Avoidance Planning tools for when dosing may need to pause or adjust.

What the Latest Research Says

Research in oral immunotherapy has grown exponentially over the last decade, with multiple clinical trials showing promising results in children and adults alike. Notable findings include:

• The PALISADE study demonstrated that 67% of children with peanut allergies were able to tolerate 600mg of peanut protein after one year of OIT.
• Other studies support OIT for milk, egg, and tree nuts with similar desensitization rates.
• Long-term safety data shows that while mild reactions are common, serious reactions are rare with proper supervision.
• Newer protocols using biologics like Xolair (omalizumab) may allow for faster and safer desensitization in high-risk patients.

These breakthroughs are pushing allergy care into a new, more hopeful era—especially when combined with customized care and real-world clinical insight.

What to Expect at an OIT Clinic

Your OIT journey begins with a comprehensive allergy evaluation, including a review of your medical history, skin tests, lab work, and possibly an Oral Food Challenge to confirm diagnosis and tolerance thresholds.

If you’re eligible for treatment, the journey typically includes:

1. Initial Consultation & Education
2. Up-Dosing Phase – Supervised in-clinic increases of allergen doses
3. Maintenance Phase – Daily home dosing of a steady amount
4. Long-Term Monitoring – Continued visits to assess response and make adjustments
5. Emergency Planning – Always supported with a personalized action plan and epinephrine

Empower’s OIT programs are designed for both children and adults, and our multidisciplinary team supports you at every step—from dosing instructions to emotional wellness.

Empower’s Approach to OIT

At Empower Allergy Treatment, we do more than follow protocols—we personalize them.

Our clinic combines cutting-edge immunotherapy with a deep understanding of the emotional and physical burden of food allergies. We offer both oral and sublingual immunotherapy, along with biologic support when indicated, and work closely with families to ensure a supportive, educational, and compassionate environment.

Want to know who’s behind the care? Meet our team of board-certified allergists and patient advocates on our About Us page.

Final Thoughts: Is OIT Right for You?

OIT is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. But for many families, it’s a life-changing option that offers protection, flexibility, and hope. If you or your child are navigating food allergies and want to explore all available treatments, we’re here to guide you.

Empower Allergy Treatment specializes in food allergy therapies that are evidence-based and patient-centered. From oral immunotherapy to sublingual immunotherapy, biologics like Xolair, and lifestyle tools like Avoidance Planning, we’re here to help you make the most informed decisions possible.

Ready to take the first step? Schedule a consultation or learn more about our full suite of Services and Programs. Your path to more freedom—and fewer food worries—starts here.