Page 24 - The Ultimate Guidebook for Teens with Food Allergies

Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)4 – A tiny amount of the allergen (for example, peanut flour) is given under close medical supervision. The amount of allergen is increased over time with reactions that are monitored and treated. Studies suggest a definite increase in the amount of allergen a person can tolerate being exposed to with this treatment, but so far, everyone has reactions during the therapy. Research is currently being conducted to see if treatment can result in long-term tolerance rather than just short-term relief (desensitization).
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)5 - This treatment involves placing a small amount of the allergen, dissolved in a solution, under the tongue for one or two minutes. It is done under close medical supervision. The results show that short-term relief can be achieved. But more studies must be done to assess long-term tolerance.
Epicutaneous Immunotherapy (ET)6 – In a similar approach to the nicotine patch, a small patch is placed on the skin and releases a small quantity of the allergen over time in hopes of building tolerance. There have been promising results with “peanut patches” and more research is being done to include treatment for other allergens, including milk.
Chinese Herbal Medicine7 - Ongoing studies are being conducted regarding the safety and effectiveness of a Chinese herbal formula, FAHF-2, to prevent serious, life-threatening allergic reactions. This herbal formula has been tested in a study involving patients with peanut and tree nut allergies. It was determined to be safe and well-tolerated. Current clinical trials include peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish, and sesame allergies.
Anti-IgE Therapy8 - A medicine for the treatment of asthma is being studied as a possible short-term relief treatment for food allergies. It consists of anti-IgE molecules that bind to IgE—the antibody involved in allergic reactions. Researchers hope to be able to determine whether this medication could prevent allergic reactions. Current research is focused on combining the treatment with OIT to possibly create long-term tolerance.
Hopefully scientists will soon be able to pinpoint what actually causes allergies, why they are increasing in prevalence, and how they can be cured. In the meantime, it’s important to learn how to avoid and manage your allergies as well as how to use your auto-injector in the case of an emergency.
4 Virkud YV, Vickery BP. Advances in immunotherapy for food allergy. Discov Med. 2012. 5 Virkud YV, Vickery BP. Advances in immunotherapy for food allergy. Discov Med. 2012.
6 Medical Daily. Viaskin Peanut Patch Renews Hope for Allergic Kids: The Future of Skin-Based Treatments. http://www.medicaldaily.com/viaskin-peanut-patch-renews-hope-allergic-kids-future-skin-based-treatments-323270. Accessed: 25 February, 2015.
7 8 Virkud YV, Vickery BP. Advances in immunotherapy for food allergy. Discov Med. 2012.