Sesame immunotherapy
Sesame immunotherapy can help to remove onerous restrictions from everyday life. Instead of constant label-checking, repeated conversations with schools, and anxiety about eating away from home, families can work towards a safer, more manageable level of protection against accidental exposure.
who we are
Private Allergy Clinic
Dr. Lajeunesse is a paediatric allergist and immunologist with extensive experience managing food allergies, childhood asthma, eczema, and hay fever. Taking a holistic approach, he works to provide clear diagnoses and tailored treatment plans, helping families take charge of their child’s allergies. Dr. Lajeunesse understands the challenges families face, including the fear of severe allergic reactions, and offers expert guidance to help navigate these concerns with confidence.
What is Sesame immunotherapy?
Living with a sesame allergy can be challenging, especially because sesame may appear in a broad range of foods and ingredients. Treatment options have developed significantly in recent years, and immunotherapy may help reduce the likelihood of a serious reaction following accidental contact. Our sesame immunotherapy programme is designed to build tolerance over time, supporting children and young people to live more confidently and with fewer daily limitations.
How sesame immunotherapy works
In sesame immunotherapy, the allergen is introduced in extremely small quantities and increased gradually according to a structured plan. This approach aims to help the immune system become less reactive, a process known as desensitisation. While it isn’t considered a cure, the objective is to increase the reaction threshold so patients can become “bite safe”, meaning accidental small exposures are less likely to cause severe symptoms.
A personalised approach to treatment
Treatment is delivered under close supervision by our experienced clinicians and nurses. Appointments are typically scheduled at regular intervals, with steady dose increases and careful monitoring, so progress can be made while keeping family routines in mind.
Highly Experienced Team
Our doctors and nurses have been involved in the research and clinical trials that helped establish food immunotherapy pathways. This experience supports safe delivery, clear guidance, and careful decision-making throughout treatment.
Convenient Weekend Appointments
To make treatment more practical for busy families, and for those travelling longer distances, we offer Saturday clinics. As far as we know, we are unique among allergy clinics in offering these weekend services.
Research Excellence
We continue to contribute to allergy research and follow emerging evidence closely, helping ensure patients benefit from the most current approaches, including developments for younger children.
Who is sesame immunotherapy for?
Sesame immunotherapy is available from six months old at our clinic at present. Younger children may respond particularly well to early treatment, as developing immune systems can be more adaptable. We are happy to assess your child’s allergy and discuss whether immunotherapy is appropriate at any stage.
For teenagers, this programme can be especially impactful, supporting greater independence, eating out, travelling, and socialising, with less constant concern. For parents, it can bring reassurance that their child has an increased level of protection against severe reactions, including the rare but serious risk of anaphylaxis.
In rare cases, sesame oral immunotherapy is not suitable for a patient. In those circumstances, we can discuss other safe and effective methods of treatment.
Need advice and can’t get to your GP?
You don’t need a GP referral, contact us directly.
Contact us
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Where to find us
Outpatient Clinic
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Spire Southampton Hospital Chalybeate Close
Hampshire SO16 6UY - Opening Times Mon & Thurs mornings
The Peanut immunotherapy Clinic
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Southampton General Hospital Tremona Road
Hampshire SO16 6YD - Opening Times - Saturday mornings
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What our clients say
The treatment provided was first class and every single staff member was so helpful and kind to both our daughter and ourselves throughout every stage of the treatment, Our daughter has completed her treatment and is now consuming two M&Ms daily which has completely transformed her life and ours. I only hope more parents avail of this treatment that can completely change a child’s life, I cannot speak highly enough of all the team members at Allergy Healthcare.
Nigel
Communication, knowledge, experience of the team and responsiveness. 10 on all levels for our experience and we now feel our daughter has the tools to navigate her way through life when she leaves our supervision.
Sam
The care and expertise at allergy healthcare was excellent. I cannot recommend them enough. Throughout my daughters treatment they were supportive and encouraging going above and beyond to support us.
Helen
Dr Mich is fantastic! Great with my son and explained everything about his condition in detail. He is extremely knowledgeable and put us all at ease. Highly recommended.
Sophie
Mich, Helen and the team were excellent in my son’s journey. They were competent, thorough and considered throughout. Their knowledgable confidence rubbed off on my allergic son and we felt safe and supported. We felt welcome and cared for.
Suzy
Frequently asked questions
Have any questions? Visit our FAQ section for answers to common queries about sesame immunotherapy.
What is sesame immunotherapy?
Sesame immunotherapy (often called oral immunotherapy) is a carefully supervised treatment that introduces very small amounts of sesame and gradually increases the dose over time, with the aim of reducing the immune system’s overreaction.
Is sesame immunotherapy a cure for a sesame allergy?
No, it isn’t considered a cure. The goal is usually to increase tolerance so a child or young person is better protected against accidental small exposures to sesame-containing foods.
How long does sesame immunotherapy take?
The timeline varies from person to person and depends on the treatment plan agreed with your clinician. Many programmes involve regular dose increases over several months, followed by an ongoing maintenance dose.
Who can have sesame immunotherapy?
Sesame immunotherapy may be suitable for children and young people with a confirmed sesame allergy, but it depends on individual factors such as medical history, asthma control, test results, and previous reactions. A specialist assessment is the best way to determine suitability.
Is sesame immunotherapy safe?
Food immunotherapy is delivered under medical supervision with clear safety guidance, and side effects can happen, particularly around dose increases. Your clinician will explain the expected risks and how to manage reactions, and will only proceed if it’s appropriate for your child.p
How did we do?
We welcome all feedback that helps us to improve our services and provide the highest standards of care and treatment.