Contact Locations Call
Accent Image

Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) Program for Children in Torrance, CA

Pediatric Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) Modena Allergy & Asthma in Torrance, CA

Oral immunotherapy offers a lifetime of relief from severe food allergies, providing peace of mind for your entire family.

Helping Children Overcome Food Allergies

Oral Immunotherapy at Modena Allergy & Asthma

For children with severe food allergies, even a trace amount of an allergenic food can trigger a life-threatening reaction. The persistent anxiety surrounding meals, school lunches, and social gatherings can be overwhelming for both children and their parents. At Modena Allergy & Asthma, our specialized pediatric oral immunotherapy (OIT) program is designed to help children develop tolerance to food allergens, reducing their risk of anaphylaxis and enabling a safer, more confident future.

Background Image

OIT Program at a Glance

  • Goal: Our aim is to decrease sensitivity to food allergens and build increased tolerance in children.
  • Duration: The program typically spans 6 months to 2 years, with the specific duration varying based on the severity of the child's allergies.
  • Treatment Approach: We utilize daily oral exposure to gradually enhance tolerance to allergenic foods.
  • Safety and Monitoring: Treatment is closely monitored by our pediatric allergy specialists to ensure safety.
  • Long-Term Outcomes: Our program is designed to reduce anxiety, minimize the risk of anaphylaxis, and improve the child's overall quality of life.

Health and Peace of Mind

What is oral immunotherapy (OIT)?

Our Pediatric Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) Program

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is a pioneering treatment that aids children with food allergies in gradually developing tolerance. Through controlled, daily exposure to small quantities of allergenic food, the immune system learns to react more safely, thereby reducing the risk of severe allergic reactions. Our specialized pediatric OIT program focuses on assisting children with allergies to:

  • Peanuts & Tree Nuts
  • Milk & Dairy
  • Eggs
  • Wheat
  • Soy
  • Shellfish

OIT is supported by years of clinical research and has proven highly effective in minimizing the risk of anaphylaxis. Our allergists are leaders in their field, dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for patients of all ages.

Woman using an inhaler, experiencing breathing difficulty.

Who Can Benefit from OIT?

What conditions does OIT address?

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is specifically designed to aid children with severe food allergies, particularly those at risk for anaphylactic reactions. This treatment is advantageous for children who:

Have been diagnosed with a food allergy and have experienced previous reactions.

Experience anxiety around food because of allergies.

Need a safer way to avoid harmful situations.

Want to enjoy their favorite foods without compromising their health.

The OIT Treatment Process

What is the OIT Treatment procedure like?

Parents will first consult with our specialists to discuss their child's allergy history and determine if OIT is a suitable treatment option. Subsequently, our providers will perform comprehensive blood and skin tests to evaluate the severity of the allergy and confirm OIT eligibility. Some children may also undergo a carefully controlled in-office food challenge.

Following this assessment, children will begin daily consumption of their allergenic food in minute amounts, with the dosage gradually increasing under close supervision. Families will participate in weekly check-ins and in-clinic appointments to track progress, adjust dosages, and ensure treatment safety. Upon reaching the target dose, children transition to the maintenance phase, where they continue to consume the food regularly to maintain tolerance. Throughout the OIT process, your doctor will closely monitor each stage and make necessary adjustments to ensure a safe and effective treatment course.

Life Without Restriction

What are the benefits of OIT?

Immunotherapy offers transformative benefits for patients with food allergies, significantly reducing the severity of allergic reactions and lowering the risk of life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Enhancing safety in everyday life provides patients and their families with greater peace of mind, alleviating anxieties about accidental exposures at school, social gatherings, or dining establishments.

OIT can also improve a child's quality of life by enabling them to experience food with more freedom and participate more fully in social situations, promoting confidence and a sense of normalcy. For both children and their parents, immunotherapy is empowering, diminishing the stress associated with managing food allergies and offering a pathway to a safer, more fulfilling life.

Women practicing yoga on the beach.

Can OIT Help My Child?

Candidates for OIT

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is typically well-suited for children ages four and older with clinically confirmed food allergies. However, various factors can influence eligibility, such as the severity of previous reactions, commitment to adhering to the daily dosing regimen, and the ability to attend regular follow-up appointments. Our team will assess your child's medical history and conduct comprehensive testing to determine if OIT is a safe and effective treatment choice.

Support For Every Step

OIT Recovery & Aftercare

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) does not require downtime, but it's crucial for parents to adhere to these key aftercare guidelines:

  • Closely observe your child's reaction following each dose and report any symptoms to our team.
  • Maintain progress by strictly following the prescribed daily dosing schedule.
  • Reduce the risk of reactions by avoiding exercise or overheating for 2 hours after each dose.

Ensure effective treatment by attending all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor improvement and adjust dosages as necessary. With consistent adherence to the treatment plan, most children successfully complete OIT within a timeframe of 6 months to 2 years.

A Lifetime of Relief

OIT Treatment Results

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) provides hopeful outcomes for children with food allergies, with many experiencing initial improvements in tolerance within the first few months of treatment. Substantial reductions in allergic reactions usually develop within 6–12 months, enabling children and their families to feel more secure and self-assured.

Consistent maintenance is crucial for sustaining these results, as continued exposure helps maintain tolerance. With time, many children achieve long-term food freedom, gaining the ability to safely include previously allergenic foods in their diets and experience an enhanced quality of life.

Oral Immunotherapy Treatment FAQs

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is a treatment program designed to gradually desensitize children to allergenic foods. Under the close supervision of our specialists at Modena Allergy & Asthma, children consume small, increasing amounts of the food they are allergic to. This process helps the immune system learn to tolerate the allergen, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and potentially allowing for greater food freedom.

OIT is a carefully controlled treatment that has shown promising results in managing food allergies. Our pediatric allergy specialists closely monitor each step of the OIT process, adjusting dosages and providing comprehensive care to minimize potential reactions.

The duration of OIT treatment varies depending on individual factors such as the severity of your child's allergies and their response to therapy. Typically, the process can range from 6 months to 2 years.

OIT can offer significant benefits for children with food allergies. These benefits may include a reduced risk of anaphylaxis, decreased anxiety surrounding food exposures, increased food tolerance, and an improved quality of life.