Food Allergy Treatments
Immerse yourself in knowledge with engaging videos and concise guides on BAT, OFC, SLIT, and OIT. These resources are designed to enlighten and prepare you for your journey, enriching your understanding before your visit.
Food Allergy Testing:
IgE Tests & Basophil Activation Test (BAT)
Dr. Shah combines standard IgE blood work with the Basophil Activation Test (BAT) to clarify which allergens are truly risky and which may be safer than they appear on traditional tests.
The Basophil Activation Test (BAT) is a blood test that measures the activation of basophils, a type of white blood cell, in response to specific allergens. This test is particularly useful in diagnosing food allergies and clarifying risk when other tests are confusing.
BAT process: In BAT, basophils are isolated from a blood sample and exposed to potential allergens. If the patient is allergic to a specific substance, the basophils activate. That activation is measured using flow cytometry.
BAT advantages: BAT is highly sensitive and is especially helpful when skin or IgE blood tests send mixed signals. It also carries minimal risk to the patient, because all of the testing happens in vitro, outside of the body.
NYAIRL, associated with NY Food Allergy & Wellness, is the first and only CLIA-certified laboratory in New York State to offer BAT for food allergy diagnostics. This makes NYFA a regional leader in advanced allergy testing and allows care plans to be based on highly precise, risk-aware data instead of guesswork.
FOOD ALLERGY TESTING:
Oral Food Challenges (OFC)
Under close medical monitoring, patients consume carefully measured amounts of an allergen to confirm a diagnosis or see whether tolerance has developed.
During an Oral Food Challenge, the patient consumes gradually increasing amounts of the suspected allergenic food in a controlled setting. Doses are given in stages, with observation periods in between so that any symptoms can be identified early.
Throughout the process, medical staff closely monitor breathing, skin, blood pressure, and other vital signs. If symptoms appear, the challenge is stopped and treatment is provided right away.
OFCs are used to confirm whether a food allergy is truly present or to check if a patient has outgrown a known allergy. They can also help clarify gray-area situations where IgE tests and clinical history do not fully agree.
The outcome of an OFC directly guides next steps in the FATE Program, whether to maintain avoidance, adjust emergency plans, or begin desensitization with SLIT or OIT.
Because there is a risk of triggering an allergic reaction, OFCs are always performed in a clinical setting with full emergency response capabilities.
At NY Food Allergy & Wellness, challenges are supervised by experienced allergy specialists with immediate access to medications and equipment. Doses are tailored to the individual, and safety is prioritized at every step.
Food Allergy Treatment:
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)
Using Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT), Dr. Shah introduces carefully measured, tiny amounts of allergen in a controlled, stepwise fashion to support tolerance development and reduce the risk of severe reactions.
SLIT is a form of immunotherapy where the patient is given small doses of an allergen under the tongue to help build tolerance over time.
SLIT Process: Treatment involves administering gradually increasing amounts of the allergen in liquid or tablet form under the tongue. The patient holds it there for a few minutes before swallowing.
SLIT Purpose: SLIT is widely used for allergic rhinitis and asthma, and it is also being explored for food allergies. It can be a convenient option since much of ongoing treatment may be self-administered at home when appropriate.
SLIT Duration: Treatment often spans several years, beginning with a dose-escalation phase followed by a maintenance phase. Over time, this can reduce symptom severity when exposed to the allergen.
Food Allergy Treatment:
Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)
Using Oral Immunotherapy (OIT), Dr. Shah introduces carefully measured, tiny amounts of an allergen in a controlled, stepwise process to help build tolerance and reduce the risk of severe reactions.
OIT is a medical treatment for food allergies where the patient consumes small amounts of the allergenic food, with the amount gradually increased over time.
OIT Process: OIT typically begins with extremely low doses of the allergenic food, given under close medical supervision. The dose is increased in small, scheduled steps until a maintenance level is reached.
OIT Objective: The goal of OIT is to desensitize the patient to the allergen, reducing the risk and severity of reactions from accidental exposures and, for some patients, helping them reach regular, confident intake of the food.
OIT Foods Treated: OIT is commonly used for allergies to peanuts, milk, eggs, and tree nuts. At NY Food Allergy & Wellness, OIT plans are customized to the patient’s age, history, and goals.
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NY Food Allergy & Wellness is located on the Upper East Side at 110 East 60th St., Suite 708, New York, NY 10022. Serving all of Manhattan, the NYC metro area, New Jersey, Connecticut, and patients nationwide, as well as international visitors.