Assortment of common food allergens displayed together, including nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, and shellfish.

Food Allergies and Food Allergy Treatment Options

You remember the first time it happened, that terrifying moment when a bite of food turned into panic. The rush to the ER. The helplessness.

The vow you made that day: never again.

Since then,

life has been a series of careful steps

Reading every label twice, bringing your own cupcakes to every party, packing lunch from home. Others say, “You’re so careful,” but they don’t see the daily worry about the next possible allergic reaction.

Food allergies are the immune system’s overreaction to something meant to be harmless — a peanut, some milk, a bite of egg — yet the reaction can be life-threatening. For families, that means meals can carry a mix of love and fear.

You dream of the day your child could eat without hesitation. The day they could travel, share meals, and just be a kid — not “the kid with allergies.”

At Inspire Allergy and Asthma, that dream is closer than you think. We have options for food allergies. This journey takes courage, commitment, and time — but the reward is immeasurable: peace of mind, joyful meals, and a life no longer ruled by what’s on the plate.

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Smiling young girl baking in the kitchen, holding a recipe book while preparing dough.

Your Options for Managing Food Allergies

When you meet with Dr. Sivam, she’ll take the time to understand your family’s story and walk you through every treatment option — helping you choose the plan that feels right for you.

Family preparing a healthy meal together in the kitchen, chopping vegetables.

Strict Avoidance

This is the traditional and safest path most families start with — completely avoiding the allergy-causing food and always carrying emergency medication like epinephrine. It can absolutely keep your child safe, but it also means constant vigilance: label-checking, limited food choices, and living with that underlying worry of “what if?”

Healthcare provider listening attentively to a patient during a medical visit.

Xolair® (omalizumab)

Xolair is an FDA-approved injection that helps calm the body’s allergic response. Think of it as lowering the volume on your child’s immune system so it’s less likely to overreact. For some families, Xolair offers added peace of mind — it can be used alone or in combination with OIT to make the desensitization process safer and smoother.

Peanut oral immunotherapy helps reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions by gradually increasing tolerance under expert m

Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)

OIT takes a proactive approach. Instead of avoiding the allergen forever, we slowly and carefully introduce it in tiny, increasing amounts under medical supervision. Over time, this helps the body build tolerance and dramatically reduce the risk of severe reactions from accidental exposures. For many families, OIT represents freedom — the chance to live life without the constant “what if?” in the back of their minds.

A woman shows signs of a food-related allergic reaction, illustrating how certain foods can trigger symptoms and the importan

OIT Frequently Asked Questions

OIT is not a cure, but it can significantly reduce the risk of severe reactions due to accidental exposure. Some patients may achieve a level of tolerance that allows them to freely consume the food (remission), but continued regular ingestion is often required to maintain protection.
The process usually involves a buildup phase lasting several months, followed by a long-term maintenance phase. Total treatment duration varies depending on the individual and the allergen.
Oral immunotherapy is more than a treatment — it’s a deeply personal journey guided by your allergist, with frequent visits, close monitoring, and direct access to your doctor every step of the way. You’re not just paying for appointments; you’re investing in time, attention, and food allergy expertise. Families describe OIT as life-changing — not only because it builds tolerance, but because it replaces fear with confidence. You’re supported through every milestone by a team that knows your story and celebrates your child’s progress. For many, the value of OIT isn’t just measured in dollars — it’s measured in peace of mind, safety, and the freedom to live without constant fear.
Patients undergoing oral immunotherapy (OIT) may experience allergic reactions, either from the treatment itself or accidental exposure to the allergen. For this reason, close monitoring by our medical team is essential. Potential side effects include:

Anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction requiring immediate treatment with epinephrine and urgent medical care

Eosinophilic esophagitis, which can cause difficulty swallowing, a sensation of food sticking in the chest, vomiting, and abdominal pain

Gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, or vomiting

Skin reactions like rashes, hives, or throat itchiness
Yes. Even while undergoing OIT, carrying epinephrine at all times is essential in case of a serious allergic reaction.
This means you’ve successfully reached the maintenance phase of your treatment. After reaching maintenance, patients continue eating their allergen daily to maintain their tolerance. Regular follow-ups with your allergist help track progress and fine-tune your plan to ensure long-term success.