Food allergies are surging in the U.S., endangering millions of lives and impacting daily existence for families. Today, one in 13 children in the U.S. has food allergies. For decades, people with food allergies were told to avoid the foods at all costs. Thanks to increased awareness and life-changing treatments, “just avoid it” no longer has to be the only solution.
Even with more awareness, food allergies are often misdiagnosed or generalized, and getting an accurate diagnosis is critical. Patients are often told they are allergic “to all tree nuts” or “eggs in any form,” leading to fear and avoiding foods unnecessarily. We also know that allergies are frequently confused with food sensitivities or intolerances, but the distinction is crucial. While they may share similar symptoms, true food allergies trigger immune system responses that can lead to severe, potentially life-threatening reactions requiring immediate treatment with epinephrine.
The Right Testing is Critical
To confirm a food allergy, getting comprehensive testing is the first step. A board-certified food allergist will perform skin prick tests, blood tests, component tests, and oral food challenges to confirm if a true food allergy is present. If testing is positive for a food allergy, the younger we can treat kids, the better the long-term results.
If you suspect a food allergy in your child, it’s best to meet with a board-certified allergist as soon as possible.
Getting Started With Treatment
Food allergy treatment with oral immunotherapy (OIT) has already transformed food allergy care, with tens of thousands of children and adults across the world already benefiting from protection and improved quality of life. Ninety-two percent of Latitude patients who undergo OIT at any age successfully reach maintenance, meaning they are desensitized to their allergens and can live more freely. And that number is even higher for patients under 4 years old — our success rate is 97% for the youngest patients.
OIT is a desensitization process, and can safely be started with patients as young as eight months old. With OIT, patients take increasing doses of their allergens to build tolerance over several months — essentially retraining the immune system to accept the food more safely. Although it may sound intimidating, the process is done under careful clinical monitoring, and for many, the benefits far outweigh the daily commitment.
Once a maintenance dose has been reached (it varies for each patient), OIT can protect from accidental exposures and in the best case scenario, treatment can unlock a life free from the fear of food. OIT isn’t just about eating more freely. It’s about living with less fear, fewer limitations, and more confidence.
Finding The Right Provider For Care
Safe and effective treatment requires the guidance and support of an experienced provider and care team. We recommend looking for board-certified allergists who specialize in food allergies.
About Latitude Food Allergy Care
Latitude Food Allergy Care is the leading network of clinics dedicated to treating food allergies. Led by board-certified allergists, Latitude redefines care through advanced diagnostics, evidence-based approaches such as OIT, and personalized treatment plans. Latitude offers world-class care in-network with most insurance plans in California and New York. Learn more at latitudefoodallergycare.com and follow Latitude on Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin.
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Cover photo by Andrea Piacquadio
