Oral Immunotherapy Program
When children have severe allergies to common foods like milk, eggs and nuts, families must remain hypervigilant to keep their children safe. Even the smallest exposure to the allergen can result in an extreme reaction called anaphylaxis, where the immune system attacks itself, causing tissues to swell and airways to close. Today, patients treated at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have a new treatment option: oral immunotherapy.
Oral immunotherapy (OIT) helps desensitize children to the foods they are allergic to by giving them small quantities of the allergen every day at home, and then gradually increasing the amount under medical supervision at the hospital. OIT has been shown to be effective in 60% to 80% of research trials.
How we serve you
Before OIT begins, your child will complete oral food challenges to determine their level of sensitivity to each food. All initial doses and dose increases are performed under medical supervision at CHOP and the process is individualized based on your child’s medical history.
Conditions we treat
Our program treats children with various food allergies, including milk, eggs, nuts, legumes and other foods.
Why choose CHOP for oral immunotherapy
The OIT Program is part of CHOP’s Food Allergy Center, a world leader in treating pediatric food allergies. By carefully exposing children to small doses of their allergen, we can decrease the chance of anaphylaxis.
Meet your team
Every person on your child's team has the same goal: to give your child the best possible care. We provide medical care, emotional counseling and much more.
Patient stories
Oral Immunotherapy 101: Learning module
Is your child’s food allergy impacting their quality of life? Oral immunotherapy – or OIT – may be able to help. Use this interactive guide to learn what OIT is, how it works and how it has impacted the lives of children with serious food allergies
OIT eligibility requirements
To be eligible to participate in OIT at CHOP, children must:
- Be a current patient of CHOP’s Food Allergy Center
- Demonstrate allergy to at least one allergen through a positive skin test, blood test and/or food challenge
- Be in good general health
Patients with chronic illness may participate if their symptoms are under good control.
Your donation changes lives
A gift of any size helps us make lifesaving breakthroughs for children everywhere.
