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Modena Health offers food immunotherapy to help patients safely manage and potentially reduce their food allergies.
About 8 percent of children in the U.S. have food allergies, and that number continues to grow. For these children and their parents, everyday situations, ike eating out or attending birthday parties, can bring real anxiety.
Traditionally, food allergy management has meant strict avoidance of the allergen, paired with immediate access to rescue medications like injectable epinephrine in case of a severe reaction. While this approach can be lifesaving, it does not make life easy. Avoidance is challenging, and a single bite of the wrong food can trigger a dangerous, sometimes life-threatening, response.
At Modena Health in Solana Beach, we offer food immunotherapy (Food IT), a safe and increasingly common treatment that changes the outlook for people with food allergies. By introducing the allergenic food in tiny portions, gradually increasing doses, we can raise the body’s threshold for reaction. This process can prevent or reduce the severity of accidental reactions. In some cases, it even allows patients to eat the food freely, achieving what’s called sustained unresponsiveness.
Beyond the medical benefits, Food IT has a profound impact on daily life by helping patients and families feel safer, more confident, and less restricted. The ultimate goal is to build tolerance, lower the risk of severe allergic responses, and restore a sense of normalcy.
Food immunotherapy is designed to lower a person’s sensitivity to a specific food by introducing it in very small, carefully measured amounts over time. This gradual process, known as desensitization, often takes months or even years and is done under close medical supervision.
One standard method is oral immunotherapy (OIT), where patients consume tiny amounts of the allergenic food each day, slowly increasing the dose as tolerated. Another approach, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), uses drops of a food extract placed under the tongue for two minutes before swallowing. SLIT carries a very low risk of anaphylaxis, making it a safe option, though it typically does not result in full “free eating” or sustained unresponsiveness.
By steadily building tolerance, food immunotherapy can raise the threshold for allergic reactions and reduce their severity. For many, this means fewer restrictions, less anxiety about accidental exposures, and a greater sense of control over daily life.
As more allergists incorporate it into care, food immunotherapy is reshaping how food allergies are managed by offering patients and families a path toward improved safety and a more flexible, fulfilling lifestyle.
We begin by pinpointing specific food allergies through thorough testing and open food challenges. Collaboratively design a tailored desensitization plan based on cutting-edge clinical trials.
Embark on a 1 to 4-year journey toward reducing allergic reactions, enhancing your child's safety and quality of life. Witness the transformation as your child gains freedom from accidental exposures, empowering them to enjoy life without fear.
Schedule your free consultation today to start this life-changing process!
Food allergies can be daunting, but understanding them doesn't have to be. With the right knowledge and support, you can reduce fear and anxiety around food allergies. By learning more about your condition, you’ll improve your understanding and feel more empowered in everyday choices.
This not only enhances your quality of life but also boosts tolerance for specific foods, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions. Remember, with guidance from experts like those at Modena Health, managing food allergies becomes less about fear and more about living confidently and comfortably.
Other benefits include:
At the Modena Food Allergy Center, we provide safe, evidence-based treatments rooted in solid research and realistic expectations. Our care is highly personalized, with close monitoring and 24/7 access to your provider.
We avoid unproven or overhyped therapies and never recommend food immunotherapy when it is unnecessary, such as for false-positive skin tests. We also steer clear of unnecessary tests or inflated costs.
Food immunotherapy has been studied for more than a decade, and while research shows its benefits, it also highlights its limits. We believe patients deserve clear, honest guidance so they can make informed decisions about their care.
Don’t spend time or money trying to desensitize to foods that are not true allergens. Your provider will determine this through testing and a detailed history of symptoms and reactions.
Don’t rely solely on a single positive skin or blood test. False positives happen, and testing should be paired with a clear history of allergic reactions. When needed, an in-office oral food challenge is a safe, structured way to confirm whether you or your child is truly allergic.
Don’t pursue costly, unproven, or fringe treatments. Our Food Immunotherapy program presents you with evidence-based options drawn from leading research centers so you can make informed choices.
Do your homework. Explore support groups, online communities, and credible resources to learn about the latest research on food immunotherapy.
Do take the time to understand the process. Food immunotherapy is a major commitment, and we may schedule multiple educational visits before starting treatment.
Do involve your family and pediatrician in the decision-making process.
Food immunotherapy is an option for people with severe, potentially life-threatening food allergies, including those triggered by peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, or soy.
Patient candidacy is determined individually, taking into account factors such as specific IgE blood test results, age, history of reactions, and readiness to follow the treatment plan closely.
Start your child's journey to better health with Food Immunotherapy. Our Solana Beach clinic offers compassionate care and expert guidance for managing food allergies. Schedule a consultation today to explore how we can help your child enjoy a safer, happier life. Call us now to begin this vital step towards lasting relief and peace of mind.
Food Immunotherapy offers hope to those struggling with food allergies by gradually helping the immune system become accustomed to allergens.
While systemic and anaphylactic reactions can occur, they are rare and often manageable at home. Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) is a gentler alternative to Oral Immunotherapy (OIT), presenting a lower risk of allergic reactions. Anaphylactic reactions from food immunotherapy in children are uncommon, providing reassurance for concerned parents seeking effective allergy treatments.
Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) can be transformative for allergy sufferers. Some patients achieve "sustained unresponsiveness," allowing them to eat previously allergenic foods without issues. For others, OIT increases their reaction threshold, meaning they can tolerate more of the allergen before experiencing a reaction, and reduces the severity if a reaction does occur.
Understanding the cost of Food Immunotherapy is essential, as it can vary based on individual needs and the length of treatment. At your consultation, we'll discuss all aspects of pricing to ensure clarity and transparency. This personalized approach ensures you receive tailored information about what to expect financially, helping you make informed decisions for your health journey. For more details or to schedule a consultation, please contact us directly.
In general, commercial and government insurance providers do not cover the costs of food immunotherapy.
