Oral Immunotherapy
Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) is an emerging treatment option in Australia for children living with food allergy. MACCS is now offering peanut and cashew OIT treatment programs for children 4 years and younger.
What is Oral immunotherapy?
Oral immunotherapy (OIT) involves giving the child a small measured dose of the food they are allergic to every day for 2 years, with the goal to reprogram the child’s immune system to be less sensitive to that food, and in some cases no longer allergic.
How common is peanut and cashew allergy?
Peanut allergy is common, occurring in around 3% of 12 month old infants. Around 30% of children with a peanut allergy will outgrow this naturally. Cashew allergy is seen in around 1.5% of 12 month infants, with a poorer rate of natural resolution (10-15%).
How are children initially assessed?
All children with suspected peanut or cashew allergy are initially assessed by an experienced allergy specialist, which includes taking a history to understand the details of the reactions your child has had to peanut or cashew, performing a skin prick test, and sometimes a special allergy blood test. We will then discuss in detail about the process of OIT, the potential benefits and possible side effects. Most children will have a supervised food challenge to confirm their allergy prior to starting.
Is OIT safe?
The main risk of OIT is allergic reactions, but there are others which your Allergist will discuss. Most patients will have symptoms at some stage in the program, but the majority of these are mild, and do not require treatment. All families participating in the OIT will receive education on management of an allergic reaction and our team will closely support families on their journey through the program.
Is OIT the best choice for everyone?
OIT carries a considerable burden for families, and a long-term commitment. Families need to administer a daily measured dose of peanut or cashew to their child and observe for 2 hours after each dose. There are also regular (monthly) visits to MACCS for dose changes, which are performed under supervision. Deciding on whether to start OIT needs to be carefully considered, and a decision should be made with discussion and the support of your MACCS Allergist.
How do I find out more?
To discuss if your child is suitable for oral immunotherapy with an allergy specialist, please email your GP referral to admin@maccsmedicalgroup.com.au