How I got over my peanut allergy with oral immunotherapy
Kidsday reporter Ella Jacobs, from Bowling Green Elementary School in Westbury, with Dr. Atul Shah, who treated her for her allergies. Credit: Michelle Jacobs
OIT stands for oral immunotherapy. OIT is a program to help kids, teens and adults get rid of their food allergies.
I know this because I am an OIT patient and I was extremely allergic to peanuts. OIT is used to desensitize the body to what it thinks is harmful. The idea is similar to allergy shots.
I was really scared before my first appointment. I did not know if I would have a reaction or if it would work. On the first day they keep you at their office for the day to monitor you so you do not have a reaction.
Over the course of the program, I had some ups and downs, but it was worth it in the end. It took several months to build up a tolerance, starting with small amounts of peanut flour and working my way up.
Today I am in what is called maintenance. In maintenance, I have to eat 10 peanuts daily at my house. OIT was stressful but it saved my life, and I hope it will help others with their allergies. The doctors are really nice, and it works!
Patricia King's fourth-grade class, Bowling Green Elementary School, Westbury
