There Are Multiple Ways to Manage Food Allergy

by Hallie OBranovic
Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
Boulder Medical Center – Louisville, Colo.

Food allergies affect millions of children and adults in the United States, and their impact can be physical and emotional. Traditionally, the only evidence-based way to manage food allergies was through strict avoidance. While avoidance remains essential, medical advancements have expanded the treatment options available to patients and families.

Modern Food Allergy Treatment Approaches

There are now three main evidence-based treatment strategies for managing food allergies:

• Avoidance
  Avoiding trigger foods continues to be an essential approach, especially for those at high risk of anaphylaxis or who are not yet ready for active treatment.
• Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)
  OIT involves giving a patient tiny, gradually increasing amounts of an allergen (such as peanut protein) in a controlled medical setting. The goal is to help the immune system build tolerance over time. Palforzia is the first FDA-approved oral immunotherapy for peanut allergy, and off-label OIT may be used for other allergens.
• Biologic Therapy (Omalizumab/Xolair)
  Biologics like omalizumab, known by the brand name Xolair, reduce allergic responses at the immune system level. These injections may be used alone or in combination with OIT, especially for individuals with multiple food allergies.

Individualized Care for Food Allergies

Each patient’s experience with food allergies is unique. In addition to physical symptoms, food allergies can cause anxiety, social limitations, and emotional stress for individuals and their families. Because of this, treatment should be tailored to meet the patient’s medical and emotional needs.

“Food allergies can be life-threatening and bring a great deal of stress and anxiety—not just for the individual, but for their entire support system,” says Hallie OBranovic, MSN, APRN, NP-C, an allergy specialist at Boulder Medical Center in Louisville, Colorado. “That’s why treatment should never be one-size-fits-all. Whether it’s strict avoidance, oral immunotherapy, injectable biologics, or a combination, our goal is always to help patients and families feel safe, supported, and empowered in their food allergy management.”

Resources for Families Managing Food Allergies

• Palforzia.com – FDA-approved OIT for peanut allergy
• Xolair.com – Biologic therapy for allergies
• Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)
• Allergy & Asthma Network
• JACI in Practice: Oral Immunotherapy Review

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