Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)
An evidence-based treatment programme that desensitises children to food allergens through controlled daily dosing, reducing the risk of a severe reaction from accidental exposure and helping families live with less fear.
Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is a structured medical programme in which a child consumes a small, measured amount of allergen each day, starting with a tiny dose and increasing slowly over months. The goal is desensitisation: building tolerance so that accidental exposures carry a lower risk of severe reaction.
OIT does not remove allergy altogether; it reduces risk and improves safety margin. It is most suitable for children and young people aged 4–18 who have a confirmed IgE-mediated food allergy.
Programmes available
- Peanut OIT: Dr Sood's flagship programme, the most evidence-rich
- Milk OIT: for children with persistent IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy
- Egg OIT: for children who have not outgrown egg allergy
- Cashew & Pistachio OIT: for tree nut allergy
The OIT journey
- Eligibility assessment: allergy testing, clinical history, risk scoring
- Initial dose escalation in clinic
- Daily home dosing with regular in-clinic reviews
- Maintenance phase and long-term monitoring
If your child is having a severe allergic reaction, call 999 immediately or go to your nearest A&E. Do not wait. Always carry prescribed emergency medication as directed by your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Dr Sood offers OIT programmes for peanut, milk, egg, and cashew/pistachio allergy. More foods, nuts and seeds would be available soon. Peanut OIT is the most established programme. Not all children are suitable candidates; an eligibility assessment is carried out before any programme begins.
OIT works by exposing the immune system to very small, gradually increasing amounts of the allergen each day. Over months, the immune system becomes desensitised, so accidental exposures are less likely to cause a severe reaction.
Ready to discuss oral immunotherapy?
Book a consultation to discuss whether OIT is right for your child. Consultations available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.