Contact 
Locations .png){kind=icon}
Call 
Modena’s pediatric oral immunotherapy program helps children safely build tolerance to food allergens and reduce the risk of severe reactions.
For children with serious food allergies, a single bite can lead to a dangerous reaction, and everyday moments like school lunches or birthday parties become stressful events. At Modena Allergy & Asthma, our oral immunotherapy (OIT) program is designed specifically for kids. With expert care and a child-friendly approach, we help young patients safely build tolerance to food allergens, lower their risk of anaphylaxis, and give families the peace of mind they deserve.
Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is an advanced, evidence-based treatment that helps children with food allergies gradually build tolerance to specific allergens. By introducing tiny, controlled amounts of the allergenic food daily, OIT retrains the immune system to respond more calmly, reducing the risk of severe or life-threatening reactions over time.
At Modena Allergy & Asthma in Long Beach, our pediatric OIT program is tailored for children with allergies to:
Backed by years of clinical research, OIT is one of the most effective strategies for reducing the risk of anaphylaxis and improving quality of life. Our team of expert allergists leads the way in innovation and safety, offering personalized care for every child on the path to greater freedom and peace of mind.
Safeguards patients with our cutting-edge solution that prevents accidental exposures. Trust our expertise to elevate safety standards and provide peace of mind. Prioritize security with our proven approach, ensuring a secure environment for all.
The OIT journey begins with a detailed consultation, where our pediatric allergy specialists review your child’s medical history, allergy symptoms, and previous reactions. From there, we conduct comprehensive skin and blood tests to evaluate allergy severity and confirm whether OIT is a safe option. In some cases, an in-office food challenge may be recommended to better understand your child’s tolerance level.
Once approved, your child will start daily microdoses of their allergenic food, administered in very small, carefully measured amounts. These doses gradually increase over time under medical supervision, with regular in-clinic visits to ensure safety and make necessary adjustments.
Families are supported through weekly check-ins, 24/7 access to our care team, and personalized progress monitoring. After reaching a stable target dose, your child enters the maintenance phase, where consistent exposure to the allergen helps preserve the tolerance they’ve built. Our team will closely guide you every step of the way, ensuring the safest, most effective path toward food freedom.
Oral immunotherapy (OIT) gives children with food allergies the opportunity to live with less fear and more freedom. By gradually training the immune system to tolerate allergenic foods, OIT can dramatically reduce the risk of severe reactions—including life-threatening anaphylaxis.
For families, that means fewer worries about accidental exposure at school, birthday parties, or restaurants. For kids, it means a chance to feel more included, eat with confidence, and participate in everyday moments without restriction.
Beyond the physical protection, OIT empowers families emotionally—bringing peace of mind, easing anxiety, and improving overall quality of life. It’s more than a treatment—it’s a step toward a safer, more confident future.
Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is best suited for children ages four and older who have been clinically diagnosed with food allergies. Candidacy depends on several factors, including your child’s allergy history, severity of past reactions, and ability to follow a structured daily dosing routine.
Before starting, our team performs a comprehensive evaluation—including allergy testing and a full review of medical history—to determine if OIT is both safe and appropriate for your child. Regular clinic visits and parental involvement are key to ensuring the success and safety of treatment.
While oral immunotherapy (OIT) doesn't require downtime, consistent care at home plays a crucial role in its success. Parents can support their child's progress by following these key aftercare guidelines:
With steady participation and close monitoring, most children complete OIT in 6 months to 2 years—gaining freedom, confidence, and a safer future with food.
Oral immunotherapy (OIT) can deliver life-changing outcomes for children with severe food allergies. Many patients begin to show increased tolerance within just a few months, with the most significant reductions in allergic reactions typically occurring between 6 and 12 months of treatment.
With continued maintenance and regular exposure, OIT helps sustain this progress, often leading to long-term tolerance. Over time, many children reach a level of food freedom that allows them to enjoy foods they once had to avoid entirely. For families, that means less fear, more confidence, and a future where meals and memories are no longer overshadowed by allergy anxiety.
Yes—when administered by trained specialists like those at Modena Allergy & Asthma, OIT is considered safe and effective. Each step of the program is carefully monitored to minimize risk and manage reactions. Your child’s safety is our top priority, and we provide 24/7 support throughout treatment.
OIT is commonly used to treat allergies to:
We will confirm your child’s specific allergy through testing before beginning treatment.
The program typically takes between 6 months and 2 years, depending on the child’s allergy, tolerance level, and adherence to the dosing schedule. After reaching the maintenance phase, ongoing exposure is required to preserve tolerance.
Children take a small, measured amount of the allergenic food daily—usually mixed with a food or drink. Doses are taken at home, with regular clinic visits to monitor progress and adjust dosing. Parents are given clear instructions and access to our team if questions arise.
Mild reactions such as itching in the mouth or stomach discomfort may occur, especially early in the program. Severe reactions are rare but possible, which is why we closely monitor each patient and provide emergency protocols if needed.
Yes. While OIT significantly reduces the risk of severe reactions, it does not eliminate the need for emergency preparedness. Your child should continue to carry an epinephrine auto-injector throughout the treatment process and beyond.
Absolutely—but with some precautions. We typically advise avoiding intense physical activity for at least two hours after each dose to reduce the chance of a reaction. We also provide documentation and support for school staff to ensure safety during the program.
It’s important to take doses consistently. If a dose is missed, contact our office before giving the next one. Skipping or altering doses without medical guidance can increase the risk of a reaction.
You’ll notice fewer reactions to small exposures and increased peace of mind in day-to-day life. Most patients also reach a level of tolerance that allows for controlled consumption of previously allergenic foods—some even achieve complete food freedom. We’ll track your child’s progress closely and celebrate every milestone with you.
