Food Allergy Management and Treatment

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Welcome to our Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations podcast series on food allergy treatment. In this episode, we explore the new ways to manage and treat food allergies. While there is not yet a cure for food allergies, treatments like omalizumab (Xolair®) and oral immunotherapy (OIT) can help make living with food allergies easier.

This episode is produced in partnership with The Itch Podcast. Co-hosts Payel Gupta, MD, and Kortney are joined by board-certified allergist Maya N. Gharfeh, MD, who shares her expertise on food avoidance and Xolair, as well as her personal and professional experience with OIT. This episode will help you better understand your options and decide what’s right for you or your child.

Learn more about the podcast and hosts on ItchPodcast.com. The podcast can be downloaded on all major platforms for listening anytime, anywhere:

This podcast episode is sponsored by Genentech. All opinions expressed on the show represent the views of the podcasters and the guest. Sponsorship does not influence content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement.

What are the current food allergy management options available?

Dr. Gharfeh brings her expertise as an allergist who performs OIT in her practice. She also brings her perspective as a mother whose daughter has undergone OIT.

Dr. Gharfeh discusses the importance of food avoidance and why it is important to always carry epinephrine, even when using treatments like Xolair or OIT.

Key takeaways from food allergy management and treatment

This episode is a deep dive into the options available for managing, treating and preventing food allergy reactions.

  • Food allergy avoidance: Learn how to avoid foods that trigger reactions, including tips on reading food labels and preventing cross-contact.
  • Understanding food labels: Decode “may contain” warnings and learn how to navigate packaged food labels safely.
  • Cross-contamination: Understand the risks of encountering food allergens and how to avoid them at home.
  • Xolair as a treatment: Explore how Xolair works, who is eligible for it, and its role in reducing allergic reactions.
  • Oral Immunotherapy (OIT): Learn how OIT helps build tolerance to allergens over time and how it compares to other treatments.

Food allergy management and treatment podcast timestamps

01:33 – Dr. Maya N. Gharfeh introduction

03:24 – What is food allergy avoidance and why is it important?

05:39 – How can you read food labels to stay safe?

10:18 – What does “may contain” mean on food labels?

10:58 – What is cross-contact/cross-contamination?

13:02 – What is Xolair, and how does it help with food allergies?

15:34 – Why would you choose Xolair to treat food allergies?

18:05 – Who can use Xolair and what do you need to qualify?

19:53 – Can you eat “may contain” foods while on Xolair?

22:51 – What is Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)?

26:19 – What is bite protection when in OIT maintenance?

29:24 – How can you decide between Xolair and OIT?

Additional resources for food allergies: 

More podcast episodes about anaphylaxis treatment