Oral Immunotherapy

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is a treatment option for patients suffering from food allergies, a serious and potentially life-threatening medical condition.

A food allergy happens when your immune system mistakes a harmless food protein for a toxic allergen.

Oral Immunotherapy

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is a treatment option for patients suffering from food allergies, a serious and potentially life-threatening medical condition.

A food allergy happens when your immune system mistakes a harmless food protein for a toxic allergen.

Person getting oral immunotherapy at Dr. Farnam's office.

How is OIT Performed?

OIT uses a method called desensitization. Small amounts of the food the patient is allergic to is introduced at very low doses. Over time, those doses are slowly increased so the patient can naturally build up a tolerance. Eventually patients can regularly consume the food with no adverse reactions.

Food Allergy Quiz

Food Allergy Quiz

If not properly identified and treated, food allergies can potentially be life threatening. Take our assessment to see if you or your child may be suffering from food allergies.

Take the Quiz Now

Which Food Allergies Can OIT Treat?

Common food allergy OIT treatments are:

  • Peanut
  • Tree nuts (almond, cashew, hazelnut, pecan, walnut, pistachio, macadamia nut)
  • Cow’s milk
  • Egg
  • Sesame seed
  • Sunflower seed
  • Chickpea
  • Wheat
Food allergies that can be treated by oral immunotherapy.

“Dr. Farnam was absolutely spectacular. I truly felt heard and his diagnosis was the first that made sense in months. I feel so lucky to have been referred to him and couldn’t recommend him more.”

Child playing outside that can be treated using oral immunotherapy.

Does OIT Treat Hay Fever, Eczema, or Asthma?

OIT can be used to treat non-food based allergies such as hay fever, eczema, and asthma, depending on the specifics of the allergy as well as several qualifying factors. If OIT is desired as a treatment, Dr. Farnam can develop a personalized treatment plan that includes it when appropriate.

Expert care so you can just breathe again.

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