Immunotherapy for food allergies
Food allergy immunotherapy is a groundbreaking treatment designed to desensitise children to common food allergens, such as peanuts, milk, or eggs. It helps reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions and supports families in managing food allergies with greater confidence.
What is immunotherapy for food allergies and how does it work?
Food allergy immunotherapy (also called oral immunotherapy, or OIT) helps the immune system become less sensitive to a specific food allergen. Your child is given very small quantities of the allergenic food — such as peanut, milk, egg, or tree nuts — in a closely monitored setting, starting with a minuscule dose well below reaction thresholds. This dose is gradually increased over time, allowing the immune system to adapt safely.
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Initial stages of treatment are carried out in clinic to ensure your child responds safely to each dose. Once a safe starting dose is established, the majority of the process continues at home with daily administration of the allergen. Regular follow-up appointments are arranged to assess progress, adjust dosages, and support the family through the desensitisation journey.
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The ultimate aim is to raise the threshold at which an allergic reaction might occur, providing protection against accidental exposure and increasing dietary flexibility. In many cases, children move from having severe reactions to tolerating several grams of the allergenic food with no or minimal symptoms. This treatment offers hope, confidence, and practical freedom to families managing complex food allergies.
Who is it suitable for?
Food allergy immunotherapy is suitable for children with diagnosed IgE-mediated food allergies who are otherwise healthy and meet clinical safety criteria.
What results to expect
Many families report a significant improvement in quality of life, with reduced fear around food and social activities. While the treatment doesn’t necessarily “cure” the allergy, it often leads to a much higher threshold before a reaction occurs.
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After successful desensitisation, children may be able to tolerate small to moderate amounts of the allergen regularly, helping to protect against severe reactions and offering more dietary freedom. Ongoing maintenance dosing may be needed to retain this benefit.