#44 - What is Oral Immunotherapy

<p>Oral Immunotherapy, OIT, has been on a lot of food allergy minds lately, especially with the FDA approval of PALFORZIA (the peanut pill).</p> <p>Dr. G and Kortney talk with Dr. Gharfeh is a double board-certified pediatric trained allergist/immunologist practicing in Oklahoma City. She has first-hand knowledge when it comes to OIT as she practices in clinic and has recently undergone OIT with her daughter. </p> <p>What we cover in this episode on Oral Immunotherapy</p> <ul><li>The types of immunotherapy including OIT, SLIT, and epicutaneous.</li> <li>The current research and status of OIT for the different allergens.</li> <li>The status of peanut for OIT. </li> <li>Unpack the advantages and disadvantages of Palforzia, the FDA-approved peanut pill.</li> <li>Outline the process of OIT at the allergist office.</li> <li>What happens is if you react during OIT.</li> <li>How allergists ensure the protein in the doses are used for OIT. </li> <li>The pros and cons of doing oral immunotherapy as a patient and as a family such as the time commitment and risks of OIT.</li> <li>The reason why OIT is mostly targeted to under 18s. </li> <li>The side effects of OIT.</li> <li>Risk of developing EOE during OIT. </li> <li>Current unknown of OIT - will the desensitization last? How long will the patient need to take the maintenance dose?</li> <li>What should a patient think about when considering OIT</li> <li>How many foods you can do at a time with OIT</li> <li>Dr Gharfeh shares her personal experience doing OIT with her daughter</li> </ul> Additional resources on Oral Immunotherapy <ul><li>Palforza: <a href='https://www.palforzia.com/'>https://www.palforzia.com/</a></li> <li>Dr. Wasserman, the protocol Dr. Garfeh and her colleagues follow: <a href='https://www.allergypartners.com/northtexas/doctors/?providerid=796'>https://www.allergypartners.com/northtexas/doctors/?providerid=796</a></li> <li>Dr. Maya N. Gharfeh's bio: <a href='https://oklahomaallergy.com/team/maya-gharfeh/'>https://