Immunotherapy 'life changing' for family with allergies

Sheila Loxton, a mother of two children with severe food allergies, said that discovering oral immunotherapy treatment has been life changing for her family. Loxton, who is also involved with the Irish Food Allergy Network, described her son Josh's first experience with food allergies when he was just two years old. Despite providing Josh with a varied diet, he suddenly deteriorated rapidly after consuming a home-cooked meal, displaying symptoms such as swelling, streaming eyes, and difficulty breathing.

Loxton expressed her immediate reaction of calling for emergency services, only to learn that Josh had anaphylaxis. She revealed that her son had chronic eczema, which could have served as a precursor to his food allergies. Loxton highlighted the need for better awareness and education to transform the system in Ireland.

In 2023, after an incident with her daughter Erin, Loxton began researching international treatments for food allergies, particularly oral immunotherapy (OIT). OIT gradually introduces small amounts of the allergen under medical supervision, building tolerance and reducing the risk of severe reactions. To access this treatment, the family travels to France every six months, considering it life-changing as it has opened up new food options for the children and provided them with protection against accidental exposures.

Loxton's children, Josh and Erin, share multiple food allergies. Erin had her first known reaction to hazelnut through Nutella at the age of one, and both children also have eczema and asthma, which are all connected through inflammation in the body. Loxton emphasized the importance of managing these comorbidities for the children's overall well-being.

She pointed out that while peanuts and nuts are commonly known food allergies, milk and egg allergies are also severe and require access to care and treatment in Ireland. Loxton highlighted the constant mental load of being a parent to a child with severe allergies, constantly assessing potential risks, and being vigilant during social events involving food.