Skin Prick Testing
A skin prick test is a quick and minimally invasive option for confirming a sesame allergy. Redness or swelling at the test site indicates a likely sensitivity.
Blood Testing
Blood testing measures IgE antibodies to sesame in the blood. After a standard blood draw, the sample is analyzed in a laboratory and the results are interpreted by an allergist.
Oral Food Challenge
An oral food challenge (OFC) is the most accurate diagnostic tool available for confirming a sesame allergy. Allergists may recommend an OFC when results from other tests are inconclusive.
Oral Immunotherapy Treatment (OIT)
Oral immunotherapy is a method for gradually building tolerance to sesame. Over several months, you consume small amounts of the allergen under the supervision of a board-certified allergist, and continue until you reach a maintenance level. By retraining the immune system you will increase your tolerance to your allergic food, thereby providing protection.
At Safe2Bite, the sesame OIT program is provided by highly-trained and experienced allergists, with treatment tailored to each patient’s unique needs based on age, allergy history and degree of sensitivity. Regular follow-up visits allow us to monitor the progression of treatment and assure you that treatment is safe and successful.
Food Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)
Sublingual immunotherapy involves placing allergy drops under the tongue to gradually build tolerance to sesame. Using low doses of sesame allergen, SLIT can be administered at home, with periodic visits to our allergy treatment centers for evaluation.
We may recommend sesame SLIT for some patients as an alternative to OIT. Based on the severity of your allergies along with your lifestyle and treatment goals, we will work together to determine which treatment method is most suitable for you.