We are delighted to offer Immunotherapy to many allergens at both our Hampshire and Belfast Clinics. We are the first community clinic outside of London to offer OIT/SLIT for food allergens and the first private clinic in the whole of Ireland, which has a far-reaching impact on the quality of life for patients and their families.
Dr Helen and her team are experienced in delivering different types of Immunotherapy and look forward to sharing their expertise with you.
If you wish to book an Immunotherapy consultation please email info@drhelenallergy.co.uk or call 01202 022 956, to arrange an appointment with Dr Helen or one of her team. These appointments can take place either face to face or virtually.
If you wish to book an Immunotherapy consultation please email info@drhelenallergy.co.uk or call 01202 022 956, to arrange an appointment with Dr Helen or one of her team. These appointments can take place either face to face or virtually.
Allergen immunotherapy, commonly referred to as allergy immunotherapy or desensitisation, is a specialist treatment that aims to change the way the immune system responds to a specific allergen.
Allergy immunotherapy involves giving carefully controlled and gradually increasing amounts of an allergen to which a person is allergic. Over time, this repeated exposure can help the immune system become less sensitive to the allergen, reducing the severity of allergic reactions and symptoms in appropriately selected patients.
Unlike treatments such as antihistamines, which primarily control allergy symptoms, immunotherapy aims to modify the underlying allergic response.
Allergen immunotherapy has been used for many years and is an established treatment for a number of allergic conditions. When appropriately prescribed and administered under the care of an experienced allergy specialist, it can be an effective treatment option for patients.
Immunotherapy can be used for a range of environmental and food allergies, although the treatment approach and evidence vary depending on the specific allergen.
Environmental allergens that may be treated with immunotherapy include:
Immunotherapy may also be considered for selected food allergies, including allergies to foods such as:
At Dr Helen Allergy, we offer specialist Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) and Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) for selected patients with food and environmental allergies.
The most appropriate treatment will depend on your allergy, symptoms, medical history, allergy test results and individual circumstances.
If you wish to book an Immunotherapy consultation please email info@drhelenallergy.co.uk or call 01202 022 956, to arrange an appointment with Dr Helen or one of her team. These appointments can take place either face to face or virtually.
If you are considering immunotherapy for a food or environmental allergy, you may have come across the terms Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) and Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT).
Both approaches aim to modify the immune system’s response to an allergen, but they differ in how the allergen is administered, the dose used and the types of allergy for which they may be considered.
Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) involves swallowing carefully measured amounts of an allergen, usually as part of a structured treatment programme.
OIT is primarily used in the treatment of food allergies. The amount of allergen is gradually increased according to an individualised protocol, with the aim of increasing the amount of allergen that can be tolerated.
For some patients, this can reduce the likelihood or severity of a reaction following accidental exposure to the food.
OIT requires careful specialist assessment, dose escalation and ongoing monitoring.
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) involves placing a carefully measured allergen preparation under the tongue, where it is held before being swallowed or absorbed according to the specific treatment.
SLIT is well established for a number of environmental allergies, including certain pollen and house dust mite allergies. Sublingual approaches have also been studied and used in specialist settings for selected food allergies.
SLIT generally involves much smaller doses of allergen than OIT and is often associated with predominantly local reactions in the mouth and throat. However, the level of desensitisation achieved can differ from that seen with OIT. Some patients begin with SLIT and move on to OIT.
If you wish to book an Immunotherapy consultation please email info@drhelenallergy.co.uk or call 01202 022 956, to arrange an appointment with Dr Helen or one of her team. These appointments can take place either face to face or virtually.
No. Although immunotherapy can be an effective treatment for carefully selected patients, it is not appropriate for every person with an allergy.
Before recommending treatment, we will consider:
A positive allergy test does not necessarily mean that immunotherapy is required or appropriate. Test results need to be considered alongside your clinical history and symptoms.
At Dr Helen Allergy, we believe that immunotherapy should be personalised to each patient. We will explain your diagnosis, discuss the available treatment options and help you understand the potential benefits, limitations and risks of immunotherapy.
Whether you are affected by hay fever, house dust mite allergy, animal allergy or food allergy, our aim is to provide clear, evidence-based advice and a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
Interested in finding out whether allergy immunotherapy could be right for you?
£5000 for one food, £8000 for two foods, £11,000 for three foods, £14,000 for four foods**
an additional £1500 for each additional food. Up to 5 foods can be treated at the same time.
* An initial consultation and allergy testing will be required before any immunotherapy can proceed.
The costs for environmental immunotherapy includes all follow ups. Please see the immunotherapy page for more detail.
**Food immunotherapy is available for peanuts, treenuts, sesame, pea, lentil, chickpea, mustard, pinenut, milk, egg, soya, kiwi and coconut with Dr Helen and her team in Ringwood, Hampshire or Belfast, Ireland. This is available for all ages.
It may be possible for some dose increases to be done at home. This will be discussed during an assessment appointment.
If you need treatment for a food not listed, then please ask.
Please note that sibling discounts are possible, please email for details.
All those enrolling for treatment with us, will also receive one year’s free access to our Allergy Membership for daily support. See here for details.
There is no single immunotherapy treatment that is right for everyone.
The most appropriate approach depends on the allergen, your symptoms, allergy test results, medical history, age, lifestyle and treatment goals.
A specialist allergy assessment is therefore an important first step in deciding whether immunotherapy is appropriate and which treatment may be most suitable.
