Oral Immunotherapy
What Is Oral Immunotherapy?
Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is a treatment of food allergies that involves a regular administration of very
small amounts of allergen by mouth. OIT works by inducing rapid desensitization, which is the ability to
tolerate an allergen while on immunotherapy. The program provides a long-term solution for food
allergic patients and takes about 6-12 months to complete. The goal of treatment is to reach a daily
dosing schedule so patients can safely consume foods that once threatened their health.
The Woodlands Allergy Center was one of the first clinics to offer oral immunotherapy to
foods. Our goal is to treat and to substantially improve the quality of life of food allergic children and
adults. Food OIT is more than 85% successful. 15% drop out rate is primarily due to inability to adhere to
the schedule or due to abdominal symptoms. Severe reactions to OIT are rare and occur in less than 10%
of patients. Theoretically, OIT should work for any food allergy. We currently have protocols for: milk,
egg, soy, wheat, peanut, tree nuts, sesame and chickpea.
How OIT Works
OIT follows a structured process designed to safely build tolerance:
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Initial dosing: Very small amounts of the allergen are introduced under medical supervision
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Up-dosing phase: The dose is gradually increased at scheduled intervals
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Maintenance phase: A consistent daily dose is continued to maintain tolerance
This controlled exposure helps the immune system become less sensitive to the allergen over time.
Conditions Treated with OIT
OIT is primarily used for food allergies, including:
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Peanut
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Milk
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Egg
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Tree nuts
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Wheat, soy, and other common allergens
Treatment plans are individualized based on the patient’s allergy profile and severity.
What to Expect During Treatment
OIT requires a long-term commitment and close monitoring:
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Regular visits to adjust dosing safely
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Daily dosing at home during maintenance
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Ongoing evaluation of progress and response
Treatment may take several months to years, depending on the individual and the allergen involved.
Benefits of OIT
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Reduces the risk of severe reactions from accidental exposure
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May increase the amount of allergen a patient can tolerate
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Can improve confidence with eating and daily activities
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Provides a proactive approach beyond strict avoidance
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In many cases, patients become “desensitized,” meaning they can tolerate a certain amount of the allergen without a reaction.
