Food Allergy Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) in London

A Groundbreaking Treatment for Food Allergies

Struggling with a food allergy? Our expert-led Food Allergy Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) in London helps build tolerance and reduce severe reactions, empowering you to live safely and confidently.

✔ Safe & evidence-based food allergy treatment

✔ Led by world-renowned allergy specialists

✔ Personalised care for children & adults

✔ Safe & evidence-based food allergy treatment ✔ Led by world-renowned allergy specialists ✔ Personalised care for children & adults

★★★★★

“Parenting a child with allergies is scary, frustrating and bewildering with conflicting information and opinion. Seeing Prof. Du Toit and the team was life changing. To be seen, heard and understood; to know that you were getting the most up to date evidence based information and advice was a revelation. He is also very kind, gentle and child-centred. Would highly recommend to all parents with an allergy child.”

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What is Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)?

Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) is a desensitisation treatment that involves introducing small, controlled amounts of an allergenic food to the immune system under medical supervision. Over time, this process helps the body become more tolerant, significantly lowering the risk of severe allergic reactions.

🔹 Goal: To reduce sensitivity and prevent life-threatening reactions.
🔹 Treatment Duration: Typically 6 months up-dosing, tailored to each patient, ongoing consumption thereafter.
🔹 Effectiveness: Clinical studies show OIT can help reduce the severity of allergic reactions and, in some cases, allow individuals to eat the food safely.

As a leading provider of immunotherapy in London and beyond, we offer OIT for a range of foods for both children and young adults.

Who is Suitable for OIT?

Not every patient is suitable for OIT. Our expert team will conduct a thorough assessment to determine eligibility, taking into account your medical history, allergy severity, and lifestyle factors.

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    Peanut Allergy

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    Tree Nut Allergy

  • Dairy / Lactose Allergy

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    Egg Allergy

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    Wheat Allergy

  • Other Common Food Allergens

How Does OIT Work? 🠊

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Assessment

📍 Comprehensive evaluation by our specialist allergy team, including:

  • Detailed medical history review

  • Skin prick and/or IgE blood testing

  • Baseline Oral Food Challenge, if indicated

  • Discussion of suitability for OIT

  • Shared decision-making when choosing an OIT regimen.

Step 2: Supervised Up-Dosing Phase

📍 Gradual exposure to increasing doses of the allergenic food under strict medical supervision at our London clinics.
📍 Close monitoring to ensure safety and minimise symptoms.

Step 3: Home Maintenance Phase

📍 Daily doses at home with regular follow-up.
📍 Long-term goal is to increase tolerance and reduce severe reactions.

As a leading centre for immunotherapy in London, our team will hold your hand on this journey to ensure safety and to optimise outcomes.

Why Parents Choose London Allergy Consultants for OIT:

✔ Led by Professor George du Toit – A world-leading paediatric allergy specialist
✔ State-of-the-art allergy clinic in London
✔ Evidence-based, research-backed treatments, with close regulatory oversight
✔ Personalised, patient-centred approach
✔ Child-friendly, safe, and supportive environment

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) is a treatment that involves introducing small, controlled amounts of an allergenic food to the immune system under medical supervision. Over time, this process helps the body build tolerance, significantly reducing the risk of severe allergic reactions.

  • OIT is suitable for children and adults diagnosed with food allergies, including:

    • Peanut

    • Tree nuts (e.g., cashew, walnut, almond, hazelnut)

    • Milk

    • Egg

    • Wheat

    • Sesame

    • Coconut

    • Lentil

    • Chickpea

    However, not everyone is a candidate. Our specialist team will assess suitability based on your medical history, allergy severity, and personal circumstances.

  • OIT follows a structured programme:

    1. Initial Consultation & Assessment – Includes allergy testing and a suitability evaluation.

    2. Up-Dosing Phase – Gradual exposure to increasing doses of the allergen under strict medical supervision.

    3. Home Maintenance Phase – Continued daily dosing at home with regular follow-ups.

  • No, OIT is not a cure. The goal is to increase tolerance and reduce the severity of reactions in case of accidental exposure. Most patients will need to continue daily doses to maintain tolerance.

  • The up-dosing phase typically lasts 20 weeks, with 8–12 clinic visits required. The maintenance phase continues indefinitely, with long-term follow-up to monitor progress.

  • Most side effects are mild and include:
    ✔️ Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, stomach pain)
    ✔️ Oral itching or discomfort
    ✔️ Mild allergic reactions (rash, hives)

    More severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, are rare but possible. Patients undergoing OIT must always carry emergency medication such as adrenaline auto-injectors.

  • Studies show 70–80% of patients achieve increased tolerance, significantly reducing the risk of severe allergic reactions. Success depends on factors such as age, adherence to treatment, and co-existing conditions.

  • Yes, but with some limitations:

    • Single-food OIT is available for all ages.

    • Two-food OIT is available for children aged 6–12.

    • Three-food OIT is available for children under 6.

    Certain allergens (e.g., wheat, milk, and egg) cannot be combined in a multi-food regimen for safety reasons.

    • OIT involves consuming small amounts of the allergen orally.

    • SLIT involves placing allergy drops under the tongue.
      SLIT is generally used for environmental allergies, while OIT is the primary method for food allergies.

  • Costs vary based on:

    • Mono-OIT (single food)

    • Multi-OIT (multiple allergens treated simultaneously)

    • Palforzia (licensed peanut OIT for ages 4–17)

    • Omalizumab (Xolair) add-on therapy

    Pricing details are available on request, please contact us.

  • To find out if Food Allergy Oral Immunotherapy is right for you or your child, contact London Allergy Consultants today:

    📍 Clinics in London & Surrey
    📞 Call: 07754050302
    📩 Email: office@londonallergyconsultants.com

    📅 Book an Appointment

Book An OIT Consultation Today

If you or your child has a diagnosed food allergy and would like to explore Food Allergy Oral Immunotherapy, contact London Allergy Consultants today.