There are over 50 OIT family blogs published in our “Research & Learn“ library. They contain the journey of that family in OIT–some are in clinical trials, and others are in private practice with board-certified allergists. All the blogs are fascinating to read, full of wisdom and knowledge unique to that family’s journey.
OIT / oral immunotherapy works best for children when they WANT to do it. When they want to escape the burden of living with a food allergy: the stress, the isolation, the exclusion and the ongoing fear. Those are great motivators and also a REWARD for completing and continuing along in maintenance. Quality of life studies show us that food allergy families have a lower quality of life. OIT can turn that around not just for the allergic person, but also for the whole family.
ONE EXCERPT FROM THE BLOG:
Oral Immunotherapy Information – OIT
BestAllergySites January 16, 2014
Why We Do It
Numerous readers have asked why we do it. Why do we continue to give our son a food he is allergic to? Why do we make him consume something he hates? Those are valid questions.
First let me state that this is his choice. We did not force him to do the study nor do we make him continue the treatment. He is nearly 11 years old and has had a say every step of the way.
He chooses to do this because he hates having a food allergy. He hates being left out. He hates not being able to eat things he wants to eat because the item may have come into contact with peanuts.
We choose to continue because it has made him happier. It has increased his and our quality of life
. I worry less about accidental ingestion. I worry less about him getting older and having to take on more responsibility for himself and his food allergies. Our/his food choices have expanded.
Oral Immunotherapy is not for everyone. It’s not an exact science. It doesn’t work for every individual. For those it does work for, it’s not without complications. There are days when I wonder if we are doing the right thing.
There are no right or wrong answers. I’m just thankful that we were fortunate enough to have this opportunity and that medical professionals are working diligently on a food allergy treatment for our kiddos.
