Ep. 98: Food Allergy Treatment and Management
Part of the series: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast
This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network.
We thank Genentech for sponsoring this episode. While they support the show, all opinions are our own, and sponsorship doesn’t influence our content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement.
LISTEN TO EPISODE 98:
Is there a cure for food allergies? Unfortunately, not yet. However, exciting new treatments are emerging that offer hope and improved quality of life for those managing food allergies.
Dr. Maya N. Gharfeh joins us to explore innovative options for treating food allergies. In this episode, we cover comprehensive strategies ranging from traditional avoidance techniques to cutting-edge treatments like omalizumab (Xolair) and Oral Immunotherapy (OIT).
While these treatments are promising, they are not cures. Dr. Gharfeh shares valuable insights on integrating these options into your allergy management plan. She also discusses how to determine whether Xolair or OIT might be the right choice for you or your child. Despite advancements, avoidance remains the cornerstone of food allergy management and must still be practiced even while undergoing treatment.
What We Cover in Our Episode About Food Allergy Treatment:
Effective methods for food allergy avoidance
Deciphering packaged food labels and "may contain" statements
Understanding cross-contamination and cross-contact
Insights into omalizumab (Xolair) and its role in food allergy treatment
An overview of Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)
Guidance on choosing between Xolair and OIT
About Our Food Allergy Treatment and OIT Expert Guest
Dr. Maya N. Gharfeh is a board-certified allergist and immunologist at the Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic. She specializes in treating both children and adults with asthma and allergic conditions, with particular expertise in food allergies and OIT. She is active on social media as @allergistmama, where she discusses allergy and asthma issues and shares insights on living with a food-allergic child.
More resources about allergies:
More episodes about allergic reactions:
Food Allergy Management Options
Food Allergy Avoidance Strategies
Food allergy avoidance is the most effective way to prevent allergic reactions. It involves taking steps to eliminate exposure to allergens that can trigger a reaction.
Strict avoidance includes not consuming foods containing allergens. For example, scraping an allergen off a plate and continuing to eat is not practicing avoidance due to the high risk of cross-contamination.
Avoid cross-contact by using separate utensils and preparation surfaces for allergen-free foods.
Carefully read food labels, avoid all allergens, and understand "may contain" warnings.
Familiarize yourself with food labeling laws and practices to better identify hidden allergens.
Navigating Cross-Contamination and Cross-Contact Risks
Cross-contamination occurs when allergens transfer from one surface or food to another, often through shared utensils or cooking spaces. Cross-contact is often used to mean the same thing.
To minimize risks, use dedicated kitchen equipment for allergen-free meals. Always clean surfaces and hands thoroughly after preparing allergen-containing foods.
Be cautious when dining out by communicating with restaurant staff about allergen concerns.
Xolair: A Treatment Option for Food Allergies
Xolair (omalizumab) is a biologic medication that targets IgE, an antibody involved in allergic reactions.
It is an injection given every two or four weeks.
Patients on Xolair may experience reduced sensitivity to allergens, but it is not a cure.
Eligibility for Xolair includes a history of severe allergic reactions and a diagnosis of IgE-mediated food allergy.
Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)
OIT gradually exposes patients to small, increasing amounts of allergens to build tolerance over time.
This treatment provides bite protection, reducing the risk of severe reactions from accidental exposure.
OIT requires a significant time commitment and ongoing maintenance doses.
It may not be suitable for everyone, and the decision should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.
Making Informed Choices: Xolair vs. OIT
Xolair is an injection that increases a patient's threshold and may reduce allergic reactions, but it does not build tolerance to specific allergens.
OIT offers the potential for long-term tolerance but requires a structured, monitored process, where families need to ensure compliance for it to be effective.
Factors such as lifestyle, severity of allergies, and treatment goals should guide the decision-making process.
Timestamps
Our episode explores the ways to treat and manage food allergie
01:33 Introduction to Dr.Gharfeh
03:24 The importance of food allergy avoidance and strategies to prevent reactions
05:39 Tips for reading food labels effectively to identify allergens
10:18 Understanding “may contain” warnings and what they mean for food allergy safety
13:02 Exploring cross-contact risks, and prevention tips
13:02 Overview of Xolair as a treatment for reducing allergic reactions
15:34 Key benefits of choosing Xolair for food allergy management
18:05 Eligibility requirements for Xolair and considerations for starting treatment
19:53 Guidelines for eating “may contain” foods while undergoing Xolair treatment
22:51 Introduction to Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) and its role in building tolerance
26:19 How OIT provides bite protection
29:24 Comparing Xolair and OIT to choose the best option for individual needs
