Allergy Center of Excellence

Red Lentil Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)

Red lentils are classified as legumes and are part of the Fabaceae family, which includes a variety of foods like beans, pulses, peas, lupins, fenugreek, soybeans, and peanuts. For people with legume allergies, reactions may be specific to one legume or extend to multiple types. Lentil allergies are often linked with sensitivities to other legumes; over half of those with lentil allergies also show allergies to chickpeas and peas.

Though lentils are a dietary staple in many parts of the world, documented allergic reactions to lentils are numerous, particularly in Mediterranean and Asian regions. These reactions are commonly triggered by IgE antibodies, with cross-reactivity among other legumes. Lentil allergies are due to different proteins present in lentils. The type and intensity of allergic responses can vary based on factors such as ethnicity, age, and individual health.

Symptoms of a lentil allergy can range from mild, like oral itching, to severe, such as asthma attacks or anaphylaxis, making reactions frustratingly unpredictable and sometimes dangerous.

Historically, the primary way to manage a lentil allergy has been through strict avoidance. However, recent advancements are providing new support options. We are delighted to be able to now offer Oral Immunotherapy for red lentil allergic children, its aim being to help children become less sensitive to the allergen.

Will OIT cure my food allergy?

How often do I have to take OIT?

How do I take OIT?

What side effects should I expect?

Do I have to keep my Epinephrine Auto-Injector (EpiPen)?

Can I do more than one course of OIT at the same time?

Can I take extra doses of allergen to speed up the process?

Will OIT treat any of my other food allergies?

Who should not have OIT?

If I am over 17, can I still start PALFORZIA?

If my child is under 4, can they still start PALFORZIA?

Can I take my OIT dose before bed?

Can I exercise before or after taking my dose?

If I am sick, should I skip my dose?

Our Process

Referral

Please advise your Allergist that you would like to move forward with food desensitisation and they will complete and send the necessary referral form and most recent medical report to our Admin Team.

Assessment

When one of our Paediatric Allergists has determined your child is suitable for oral immunotherapy, they will complete and send a referral form to our Admin Team. A ‘virtual’ assessment appointment will then be arranged with a member of the Clinical Team who will be looking after your child on the programme. They will discuss the process and ensure that you fully understand what is involved. The assessment will cover the detailed history provided by your allergist, focussing on the particular allergen selected for desensitisation. This is your opportunity to have answered any additional questions you may have.

Consent

If it is felt your child is suitable for the treatment, you will be provided with written information and given plenty of opportunity to ask any questions. When you feel ready, you will be asked to sign a consent form to indicate that you have fully understood the risks involved. Older children will be asked to sign an assent form confirming they are motivated and willing to undergo therapy. If you do not already have them, you will be prescribed adrenaline autoinjectors e.g. Epipen and trained in their use, so that you are well prepared to deal with a more severe allergic reaction.

Initial Dose

Single OIT

Multi-OIT

Up-Dosing

Single OIT

Multi-OIT

Maintenance

Single OIT

Multi-OIT

Follow-Up

Follow up will be with your child’s usual Allergist.

Referral

A referral from one of our Professors to the service is required in the first instance.

Your child’s current allergy status will need to be confirmed, please note that up to date skin prick tests, blood tests or spirometry may be required to ensure suitability, any child whose asthma or eczema is not extremely well controlled, would not be suitable for starting treatment.

If your child has not been seen before, our Admin Team will direct you appropriately to the Professor’s private clinics on receipt of your suitability form.

Assessment

When one of our Paediatric Allergists has determined your child is suitable for oral immunotherapy, they will complete and send a referral form to our Admin Team. A ‘virtual’ assessment appointment will then be arranged with a member of the Clinical Team who will be looking after your child on the programme. They will discuss the process and ensure that you fully understand what is involved. The assessment will cover the detailed history provided by your allergist, focussing on the particular allergen selected for desensitisation. This is your opportunity to have answered any additional questions you may have.

Consent

If it is felt your child is suitable for the treatment, you will be provided with written information and given plenty of opportunity to ask any questions. When you feel ready, you will be asked to sign a consent form to indicate that you have fully understood the risks involved. Older children will be asked to sign an assent form confirming they are motivated and willing to undergo therapy. If you do not already have them, you will be prescribed adrenaline autoinjectors e.g. Epipen and trained in their use, so that you are well prepared to deal with a more severe allergic reaction.

Initial Dose

Single OIT

Multi-OIT

Up-Dosing

Single OIT

Multi-OIT

Maintenance

Single OIT

Multi-OIT

Follow-Up

Follow up will be with your child’s usual Allergist.