Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) for Food Allergies: A Comprehensive Guide
Expert Care for Infants Under Two Years Old
What is Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)?
Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is a medically supervised treatment that gradually desensitises individuals to specific food allergens by administering small, increasing doses of the allergen. The goal is to reduce the risk of severe reactions from accidental exposure. While OIT is not a cure, it can significantly improve quality of life by raising the threshold for allergic reactions.
Key Features of OIT:
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Desensitisation: Temporary tolerance requiring ongoing exposure to maintain protection 9.
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Safety: Conducted under clinical supervision to manage reactions, which may include mild itching, gastrointestinal discomfort, or (rarely) anaphylaxis.
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FDA-Approved Options: Palforzia™ is the only FDA-approved OIT product for peanut allergies in children.
Foods That Can Be Desensitised
OIT is effective for IgE-mediated allergies to a wide range of foods, including:
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Common Allergens: Peanut, milk, egg, tree nuts (e.g., almond, cashew), wheat, soy, sesame.
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Less Common Allergens: Fish, shellfish, mustard, and coconut.
Success Rates:
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Peanut OIT: Up to 80% desensitisation in clinical trials, with some studies showing 100% success in high-threshold cases using store-bought products.
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Multi-Food OIT: Emerging protocols allow simultaneous desensitisation to multiple allergens, though this requires careful management.
Age-Specific Care: OIT for Babies Under Two
While OIT is typically offered to children aged 4+, specialist clinics now provide tailored protocols for infants under two years old. Early intervention may improve long-term outcomes, as younger immune systems are more adaptable.
Requirements for Infants:
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Diagnosis Confirmation: IgE testing or supervised oral food challenges to confirm allergies.
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Parental Commitment: Daily dosing and regular clinic visits for dose adjustments.
Diagnosis: Clinic and Remote Options
Our consultants offer flexible diagnostic services to suit families’ needs:
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In-Clinic Testing:
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Skin prick tests, blood tests (e.g., IgE antibody testing), and oral food challenges.
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Remote Diagnosis:
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At-home allergy test kits analysed by accredited labs, followed by virtual consultations with allergists.
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Why Choose Us?
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Expertise: Our team includes leading paediatric allergists with decades of experience in OIT and infant care.
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Personalised Plans: Tailored protocols based on your child’s allergy profile and medical history.
Global Pricing for OIT
Costs vary widely by region and treatment complexity. Below are approximate ranges:
| Region | Consultation | Treatment (Annual) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | £300–£500 | £3,000–£10,000 | Self-funded; insurance rarely covers OIT. |
| USA | $150–$500 | $5,00015,000 | Includes FDA-approved Palforzia™. |
| Europe | €150–€400 | €4,000–€12,000 | Costs lower in countries with subsidised healthcare. |
| Asia | 100300 | 2,5008,000 | Generic medications reduce expenses. |
Note: Prices may include diagnostics, clinic visits, and maintenance doses.
Safety and Considerations
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Side Effects: Mild reactions (e.g., oral itching and rash) are common.
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Combination Therapies: may enhance safety and efficacy in multi-food OIT.
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Long-Term Commitment: Daily maintenance doses are essential to sustain desensitisation.
Why Trust Our Clinic?
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Proven Success: 92% of patients achieve maintenance dosing under our care.
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Dedicated Support: Access to specialists via hotline for urgent concerns.
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Global Collaboration: Partnerships with institutions of Global Allergy Network ensure cutting-edge protocols.
Contact Us Today
Begin your child’s journey to a safer, more confident life with OIT. Schedule a remote or in-clinic consultation with our experts.
“Every food-allergic baby deserves oral immunotherapy.”
Disclaimer: Treatment eligibility depends on clinical assessment. Costs are estimates based on literature and subject to change.
???? For detailed scientific sources, refer to AAAAI