Food allergy treatment
Our approach to diagnosing food allergies is thorough and evidence based. We combine the history from the patient’s ingestion and reaction with advanced blood and skin testing to assess the risk of food allergy accurately. In some cases, an oral food challenge in our monitored clinic setting may be conducted to distinguish between a food intolerance and a true food allergy. A confirmed diagnosis of food allergy opens the door to a variety of tailored treatment options. Currently, treatment options include strict food avoidance, Xolair injections and now Food Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT).
What is Food SLIT? Food-Based Sublingual Immunotherapy, or SLIT, is an approach to food allergies in which droplets of the purified food allergen are placed under the tongue daily, promoting a gradual desensitization. Research suggests that SLIT can be effective in treating certain food allergies. Studies have shown that it may help reduce allergic reactions, improve quality of life, and increase the threshold for triggering symptoms. For more information on the safety and efficacy of SLIT for foods we have included links to several studies at the bottom of the page.
We currently only offer Food SLIT for peanuts.
To learn more about the Food SLIT process, watch the video below and read the frequently asked questions.
If you would like to book an appointment or have questions, please call us at (727) 327-5719 or request an appointment online.
Watch this short video that helps explain more about Food-Based sublingual Immunotherapy:
food-based Sublingual immunotherapy
FREQUENtly asked questions
HOW DOES SLIT WORK?
Food proteins placed under the tongue, come in contact with oral mucus membranes that then interact with special immune cells called dendritic cells. These cells communicate with other immune cells (T lymphocytes) to hyposensitize you, or reduce your allergies.
WHAT KIND OF ALLERGIES CAN BE TREATED WITH FOOD-BASED SLIT?
We are currently treating peanut allergy with our food-based SLIT program.
wHO CAN RECIEVE TREATMENT WITH FOOD-BASED SLIT?
SLIT is an excellent option for any patient with confirmed peanut food allergy who is interested in gaining confidence in managing foods with a “may contain” label and reducing the chance of severe reactions with incidental peanut ingestion.
how is slit taken?
SLIT is taken in liquid form from a bottle and a pre-dosed dropper, often referred to as allergy drops. The drops are placed under the tongue, in increasing amounts each week. The initial drops for each dose will be taken under the guidance of your physician, either in the office or via telehealth visit. The remaining drops will be taken at home with assisted management from the “Food Allergy Fix” app.
Does SLIT have to be refrigerated?
Yes, you’re allergy droppers must be kept in the refrigerator.
can I travel with SLIT?
Yes. They are very easy to travel with and can go anywhere you go. The bottles have a small enough volume to be carried through airport security. Since taking the dose requires only a few minutes out of your day, it is very easy to continue your treatment no matter where you are, or how long you’re away.
IS SLIT SAFE?
Over the past 20 years, the safety of SLIT has been well documented. Fatal reactions to SLIT have not been reported to date, and serious reactions are extremely rare. Mild side effects, such as an itchy mouth, occur in the majority of people initially and tend to resolve over time.
Moderate side effects have been documented (1 in about every 12,000 doses), including: eye itching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, asthma symptoms and hives.
SLIT has a very good safety profile, largely because the oral mucosa is conditioned to tolerate various proteins on a daily basis, such as foods and resident bacteria. As a result, the sublingual mucosa has few pro-inflammatory cells, such as mast cells (which trigger allergic reactions in the skin, nose and lungs). This helps to explain why SLIT is unlikely to cause a severe, generalized allergic reaction.
See below for links from studies documenting the safety and efficacy of food-based SLIT.
FOOD-BASED SLIT STUDIES:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7421796/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16275379/