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.
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BASOPHIL
ACTIVATION TEST
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.
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 will activate, which is detected using flow cytometry.
Advantages: This test is highly sensitive and can help in cases where traditional skin or blood tests are inconclusive. It also poses minimal risk to the patient, as it is performed in vitro (outside the body).
NYAIRL & NYFAW Connection: NYAIRL, associated with NY Food Allergy & Wellness (NYFAW), is a leading research facility and the first and only laboratory in New York State with a CLIA-certified facility to offer BAT. This state-approved service places NYFAW at the forefront of allergy research and treatment, ensuring highly accurate and risk-minimized diagnostic services for food allergies.
ORAL FOOD CHALLENGE
OFC is a medically supervised test to diagnose food allergies. It's considered the gold standard for allergy testing.
Process: During an OFC, the patient consumes gradually increasing amounts of the suspected allergenic food in a controlled setting. Medical staff monitor for any reaction.
Purpose: It's used to either confirm a food allergy diagnosis or to check if a patient has outgrown an allergy.
Safety: Given the risk of an allergic reaction, OFCs are always conducted in a clinical setting with emergency response capabilities.
SUBLINGUAL IMMUNOTHERAPY
SLIT is a form of immunotherapy where the patient is given small doses of an allergen under the tongue to boost tolerance to the substance and reduce symptoms.
Process: The 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.
Purpose: SLIT is primarily used for treating allergic rhinitis and asthma, and it's being explored for food allergies. It's a convenient alternative to allergy shots, as it can be self-administered at home.
Duration: Treatment typically spans over a few years, with the initial phase of dose escalation followed by a maintenance phase.
ORAL IMMUNOTHERAPY
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.
Process: The process begins with extremely low doses, followed by periodic and gradual increases, usually under strict medical supervision. This is continued until a maintenance dose is reached.
Objective: The goal of OIT is to desensitize the patient to the allergen, reducing the severity of reactions or helping them achieve tolerance.
Foods Treated: Commonly used for allergies to foods like peanuts, milk, eggs, and tree nuts.
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