Food Allergy Treatments: What to Ask Your Doctor

Our latest episode of the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations podcast explores how to work with your allergist to find the best treatment for food allergies.

For many years, people managed food allergies by avoiding their allergens. That is still a safe and effective option. But now new treatments like oral immunotherapy (OIT) and Xolair® (omalizumab) can also help. These treatments may not be right for everyone, so it’s important to talk with your doctor and ask questions before deciding what fits your needs.

Co-hosts Payel Gupta, MD, and Kortney talk with Shahzad Mustafa, MD, about the treatment options for food allergies. Thhey discuss what each treatment involves, how to set realistic goals, and why strict avoidance can still be the best choice for some people.

You can listen to the podcast on ItchPodcast.com or download it for listening anytime, anywhere, at:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Any mention of brands is also informational and not an endorsement. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical questions or concerns.

Thank you to Genentech for sponsoring this podcast episode.

Key takeaways about talking to your doctor about food allergy treatments

There are many ways to manage food allergies today. This podcast helps patients and families understand how to make the best plan with their allergist.

  • Avoidance works. For many people, staying away from their food allergen and carrying epinephrine is still the safest and simplest plan.
  • OIT is not for everyone. Oral immunotherapy involves eating small, carefully measured amounts of your allergen each day. It must be done under the care of an allergist.
  • Xolair (omalizumab) is a new option. This is a medicine given by injection every few weeks. It can help lower the risk of a reaction from an accidental exposure. You still need to avoid your allergen.
  • Talk about your goals. Tell your allergist what you hope for and what worries you most. Together, you can decide what success looks like for you or your child.
  • Managing food allergies looks different for everyone. The best choice is the one that supports your health and fits your family’s lifestyle.

Timestamps for our episode about food allergy treatments

01:12 – Meet Dr. Shahzad Mustafa

02:03 – Overview of food allergy treatment options

06:33 – Questions to ask before choosing a treatment

09:16 – How to compare the options

11:36 – Setting realistic expectations

15:18 – What to know about avoidance

19:37 – What to know about oral immunotherapy (OIT)

26:50 – Why OIT should only be done under an allergist’s care

28:20 – What to know about Xolair

32:47 – When OIT and Xolair are used together

More resources about food allergies