I Have a Severe Peanut Allergy: Is Immunotherapy an Option?

There are few food allergies as intense as a peanut allergy. Even the smallest exposure can cause a life-threatening reaction. For those with severe peanut allergies, every day means carrying an EpiPen, reading every food label like it’s a contract, and issuing constant warnings to friends, restaurants, airline staff, coworkers, and basically anyone you eat near. 

Despite all the planning and precautions, accidents still happen. One mislabeled snack or cross-contaminated dish can trigger anaphylaxis in someone. Instead of avoiding peanuts like a moving target, your immune system can be taught to tolerate them a little better. 

Immunotherapy is a treatment used to manage peanut allergies. While it’s not a cure, it can significantly increase your quality of life. However, because of the risks involved (especially with something as reactive as peanuts), it’s essential that an experienced specialist handles this treatment in a carefully monitored environment.

At Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA in San Antonio and Schertz, Texas, our lead allergist, Dr. Patricia Gomez-Dinger, and team are highly trained in delivering safe, evidence-based immunotherapy, including treatments for severe food allergies. In this blog, we’ll cover what immunotherapy involves, who it’s for, how it works for a peanut allergy specifically, and what to expect if you decide to explore it. 

What exactly is immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a treatment that slowly helps your immune system become less reactive. For peanut allergies, that means exposing your body to very small amounts of peanut protein over time, so it stops overreacting to it.

The most common form of immunotherapy for peanut allergies is oral immunotherapy (OIT). It involves eating tiny, carefully measured amounts of peanut protein under Dr. Gomez-Dinger’s supervision. The dose starts very small and is slowly increased over time, usually over several months or even years.

Immunotherapy doesn’t cure peanut allergies, but it can help your body become less sensitive. That might mean the difference between having a severe reaction to a tiny trace of peanuts and being able to handle a small accidental exposure without going into anaphylaxis.

Can people with severe peanut allergies really try this?

Yes, but it has to be done safely and by the right team. Peanut allergy immunotherapy is a delicate process, and there can be a risk of a reaction. That’s why it’s only offered to patients who meet specific criteria and are under the care of an experienced allergy specialist like Dr. Gomez-Dinger.

The process starts with a thorough evaluation, which includes allergy testing, a full medical history, and a conversation about your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. For some people, the risks may outweigh the benefits. But for others, especially those living in constant fear of exposure, immunotherapy can be life-changing.

At Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA, we assess each patient carefully to see if they’re a good candidate. If you are,  we monitor your entire treatment closely from start to end. Doses are introduced in the clinic, where emergency treatment is available if needed. As tolerance builds, some maintenance doses can be taken at home, always with expert guidance and support.

What are the benefits, and is it safe?

For people with severe peanut allergies, the main benefit is protection from accidental exposure. You might not be able to eat a spoonful of peanut butter, but you could tolerate small, unexpected traces without having a serious reaction. 

Immunotherapy can also help ease the mental toll of living with severe allergies. Constant vigilance is exhausting, and knowing your body has a higher tolerance, even slightly, can give you peace of mind in everyday situations like dining out or traveling.

When done in a controlled setting with experienced providers, immunotherapy is generally safe, but it’s not risk-free. Reactions can happen, especially early in the process. That’s why close monitoring and expert supervision are essential.

Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA follows strict protocols for every stage of treatment. From the initial challenge dose to the long-term maintenance phase, your care team will know exactly how to respond if your body reacts and how to keep you safe at every step.

Immunotherapy is a promising treatment for people with severe peanut allergies. It’s not a cure, but it can offer a little breathing room for you to live your life more freely.

At Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA, you’re in the safest hands. Our team will help you determine if it’s the right option and guide you every step of the way. If you’re tired of living in fear of peanuts, schedule an appointment with us online or call your nearest office today.