Oral Food Challenges
PHASE 3:
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.
PHASE 1:
Patient History
Initial Consultation
and Allergy Assessment
The journey begins with an initial consultation. During this meeting, Dr. Atul Shah at NY Food Allergy & Wellness, will conduct a thorough assessment of the patient's medical history, dietary habits, and symptoms. This step is crucial for forming a preliminary understanding of the potential allergens and the severity of the various food allergy symptoms.
PHASE 2:
IgE Tests & BAT
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 & NYFA Connection: NYAIRL, associated with NY Food Allergy & Wellness (NYFA), 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.
PHASE 4:
Single, Multi-Food SLIT, OIT
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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.
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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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PHASE 5:
Bite Proof to Free Eating
Personal Plan & Comprehensive Approach to Allergy Treatment
The best treatment for most food allergies, is a comprehensive approach that combines traditional methods with advanced therapies, nutritional guidance, and staying informed about new developments. Under Dr. Atul Shah's leadership, NY Food Allergy & Wellness represents the pinnacle of this approach, offering patients the most effective, personalized care.
In the fifth phase of FATE™, known as Bite Proof to Free Eating, patients are empowered to make decisions regarding the extent of their exposure to allergens. This approach acknowledges the individual's autonomy and comfort level in managing their food allergies. By gradually introducing allergens in a controlled environment, patients can build confidence and tolerance over time, ultimately aiming for freedom in their dietary choices. A personal plan, a personal choice.
This method fosters a sense of empowerment and independence in managing food allergies, aligning with the patient-centered philosophy of Dr. Atul Shah's leadership at NY Food Allergy & Wellness. By integrating Bite Proof to Free Eating into their comprehensive treatment approach, patients receive personalized care that prioritizes both safety and autonomy, leading to improved quality of life and peace of mind.
Cameron’s Severe Food Allergy
Dr. Atul Shah’s FATE™ Program has over 15,000 success stories, offering a proprietary, one-on-one approach that stands apart from larger institutions. As New York’s only certified BAT allergy lab, we provide unique insights, allowing for more precise desensitization for children, teens, and adults—even into their 50s. This private practice model ensures personalized care, helping patients regain confidence in their lives, careers, and overall well-being.
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Guided by Compassion. Inspired by Possibility.
Through Dr. Atul Shah’s personalized FATE™ Program, patients from infancy through the latter stages of adulthood can find new confidence in everyday life: sharing meals, traveling freely, joining activities once thought out of reach. Parents feel a weight lifted. Children grow without limits. Adults embrace moments without hesitation. Compassionate, expert care at every step.
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New York City Location
110 East 60th St., Suite 708
New York, NY, 10022
Hours of Operation
Tuesday: 9am-5pm
Wednesday: 9am-5pm
Thursday: 9am-7pm
Friday: 9am-5pm
Saturday: 9am-2pm
Sunday/Monday: Closed