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What Food Allergies Can Be Treated with Oral Immunotherapy?
While food allergies can significantly impact quality of life, Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) offers a promising approach to desensitization. This treatment helps individuals develop tolerance to the allergenic food, potentially allowing them to eat it without experiencing reactions.
Currently, OIT is most commonly used for the following food allergies:
- Peanut Allergy: Peanut allergies are a leading cause of severe allergic reactions. OIT has shown success in desensitizing individuals to peanuts, reducing the risk of accidental exposure and anaphylaxis.
- Milk and Egg Allergies: Milk and egg allergies are prevalent in children, often causing discomfort and limiting dietary choices. OIT can be a valuable tool for these allergies, potentially leading to safe consumption of these common food items.
- Tree Nut Allergies: Tree nut allergies, including allergies to almonds, walnuts, and cashews, can also be treated with OIT. This can significantly reduce anxiety and improve dietary options for people with these allergies.
Research on OIT is ongoing, with promising results for other food allergies. As the field advances, OIT may become a more widely applicable treatment for various food allergies, offering greater freedom and dietary control for affected individuals.
