Oral Immunotherapy

What is oral immunotherapy?

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is a specialized treatment designed to help your immune system become less reactive to specific food allergens. During OIT, you gradually consume small, carefully measured amounts of the allergen under medical supervision, with the goal of building tolerance over time.

Unlike avoidance alone, OIT works by gradually desensitizing your immune system to the food protein that triggers your allergic reaction. This process may take several months and requires close monitoring by an experienced allergist.

Who is this service for?

OIT may be appropriate for children and adults with confirmed food allergies—most commonly peanut, tree nuts, milk, or egg allergies. Your allergist will assess whether you're a good candidate based on your allergy history, severity, and overall health.

OIT is particularly helpful for patients who:

• Have significant food allergies that limit their quality of life
• Are at risk of accidental exposure to their allergen
• Want to reduce their dependence on emergency medications
• Have failed or wish to move beyond strict avoidance strategies

What to expect during your visit

Your first appointment will include a detailed allergy history, skin testing or blood work to confirm your specific allergen, and a thorough discussion of whether OIT is right for you. If you proceed, your treatment plan will be customized to your needs.

During the build-up phase, you'll visit our clinic regularly—often weekly or bi-weekly—to consume gradually increasing doses of the allergen under supervision. We monitor you closely for any reactions. Once you reach your target dose, you'll enter the maintenance phase, where you take a consistent daily dose at home.

At Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates, we often see patients who feel empowered by taking an active role in managing their food allergies rather than simply avoiding them.

Treatment and management options

OIT is one of several immunotherapy approaches. Your specialist may also discuss:

• Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)—allergen placed under the tongue
• Epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT)—allergen applied to skin patches
• Combination approaches tailored to your specific allergen and response

Throughout treatment, you'll maintain an emergency action plan and carry your prescribed medications. Your allergist will adjust your protocol based on your progress and any reactions you experience.

Why choose Denver Allergy?

Our board-certified allergists and immunologists have extensive experience in oral immunotherapy and food allergy management. We serve patients across Boulder, Lakewood, Westminster, Denver, Littleton, and Arvada with compassionate, evidence-based care. We take time to understand your unique situation and work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.

If you're interested in exploring whether oral immunotherapy might help you or your child manage a food allergy, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through every step of the process.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health decisions.