About Food Allergen Immunotherapy

Oral Immunotherapy (or OIT) is an emerging treatment option for select patients with certain food allergies. While it is not a cure, OIT can increase the amount of allergen a patient can safely tolerate, reducing the risk of allergic reactions—particularly from small, accidental exposures. During the treatment patients attend the clinic regularly to receive gradually increasing doses of the allergenic food under medical and nursing supervision until a maintenance dose is reached. In between each up-dose visit, the prescribed allergen dose must be taken daily at home.

OIT is only suitable for select patients, with safety and effectiveness dependent upon the individual’s allergy status, age, and co-existing medical conditions.

Dr Willcocks follows a structured, evidence‑based approach that includes:

• Comprehensive allergy assessment

• Initiation of treatment

• Regular clinic visits for up‑dosing over many months

• Long‑term maintenance therapy

Clear instructions are provided for home dosing, including what to do on sick days. Estimated costs are outlined and written consent obtained prior to initiation of OIT.

Side effects are common but usually mild, such as hives or gastrointestinal discomfort. The most frequently reported symptoms include:

• Hives

• Gastrointestinal discomfort

Anaphylaxis occurs in fewer than 5% of patients, with parents and caregivers receiving continual education and training on recognising and managing allergic reactions throughout the program.

There is also a small risk of developing eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) with any form of oral or sublingual immunotherapy. However, current data from clinical trials and real‑world practice internationally show that rates remain low.