KTKA

3-year-old Peyton is severely allergic to peanuts. He's taking part in a promising study to see if exposing kids to the very thing they're allergic to will help build up a tolerance.

"The theory behind it is you start out at very low doses and build up over time, and as you do that you lessen the allergic side effects," Duke University Medical Center Allergy and Immunology Dr. Wesley Burks said.

Peanuts in liquid or powdered form is given to allergic children. The initial dose is one one-thousandth of a peanut.

After three years in the study, 10-year-old Elissa Miller has seen amazing progress.

"I take six peanuts, and it's very cool because I never thought I would be able to even eat one," Elissa said.

And for mom, an anxiety has been lifted.

"I can send her out and not have to worry about it, and know that she can handle it," Sandy Miller said.

What researchers have found is this treatment actually changes a child's immune system, changes how their bodies react to peanuts.

They're finding similar results in a test using ancient Chinese herbs. Tests are just starting in humans, but in mice, the herbal concoction virtually eliminated peanut allergies.

"I must say in the last couple of years I am finally hopeful that we are going to have something to offer," Mount Sinai Medical Center Professor of Pediatrics Dr. Hugh Sampson said.

The herbs may work on tree nuts, fish and shell fish allergies as well.

All this means that for children like Peyton and his mom, Jennifer, there is hope.

"I'd love for him to be allergy free," she said. "I'd love it."

It would be a huge relief for parents who must worry every day about the food their children eat.