Food allergies are quite common in preschoolers. In fact, over 60% of food allergy reactions occur during these early years of life.
During these initial years, parents typically have full control over their child’s diet. However, as children approach pre-K and kindergarten, the challenges tend to increase. The school environment introduces a variety of external factors that can affect a child’s health and increase the risk of exposure to allergens.
On the positive side, schools are generally well-equipped to accommodate children with food allergies. Many schools avoid using food as rewards, prizes, or incentives. In addition, schools often work with parents to ensure safe snack options are available, especially in unexpected situations.
Most schools also keep epinephrine auto-injectors on hand in case of an allergy emergency. In fact, the CDC released national guidelines for managing food allergies in schools on October 30th, 2013. You can find more information on these guidelines at www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/foodallergies.
Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) for Preschoolers with Food Allergies
An exciting development in food allergy treatment is Oral Immunotherapy (OIT), which offers a potential solution for children with food allergies. At Asthma & Allergy Associates, we have been offering OIT for children and adolescents for over 12 years. We have successfully treated allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, milk, and eggs, and we can also address other food allergies.
Traditionally, food allergy management has focused on two main strategies:
- Avoiding allergens
- Treating allergic reactions when they occur
While these methods are necessary, they often come with high levels of anxiety and social challenges. Fortunately, OIT introduces a third approach to treatment:
Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)
OIT involves a carefully controlled process that gradually desensitizes the body to allergens. We follow specialized dosing protocols and offer FDA-approved treatments like Palforzia for peanut allergies. Our goal is to work with families to determine the most suitable therapy for their child’s needs.
If your child is living with food allergies, we encourage you to explore the option of Oral Immunotherapy at Asthma & Allergy Associates. Let us help you take the next step in managing your child’s food allergies.