Food allergies affect millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact the quality of life for patients and their families. Until recently, the only effective strategy was strict avoidance of the triggering food and preparedness to manage potential allergic reactions. However, recent advances in oral immunotherapy (OIT) offer new hope for food allergy sufferers.
Oral immunotherapy involves the controlled and progressive administration of the allergenic food in increasing doses to induce tolerance. This procedure is conducted under strict medical supervision and follows protocols established by scientific societies such as the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) and the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC).
According to current guidelines from EAACI and SEAIC, oral immunotherapy can:
Not all food allergy patients are candidates for this treatment. Patient selection must be individualized, taking into account factors such as:
While oral immunotherapy is a promising treatment, it also carries risks, such as allergic reactions during the desensitization process. Therefore, it is essential that it is performed in specialized centers under the guidance of an experienced allergist.
Oral immunotherapy represents a significant shift in the management of food allergies, offering an alternative to improve patient safety and quality of life. If you are interested in learning more about this treatment and evaluating its suitability for your case, consult our allergist at Mallorca Allergy Clinic.
