Desensitization Immunotherapy

Desensitization Immunotherapy

We offer desensitization, also called immunotherapy, as an effective treatment for individuals suffering from allergic reactions to common allergens like pollen, house dust mites, or pets. This treatment aims to reduce the immune system’s sensitivity, offering long-term relief and improving the overall quality of life for those with persistent allergies.

What is Allergy Desensitisation?

Allergy desensitization immunotherapy has been used for nearly a century and is widely considered safe and effective, with full licensing for treatment.

Desensitization is supported by comprehensive scientific research, and fully licensed treatments for tree and grass pollen allergies are available. These treatments have undergone thorough assessments to ensure safety and effectiveness.

For patients suffering from severe hay fever symptoms triggered by tree or grass pollen, desensitization involves administering regular high dosages of the related pollen extract. This approach helps reduce the immune response, decreasing symptoms’ severity and ongoing medication use.

While conventional treatments like antihistamines and steroid-based drugs can provide temporary relief, many individuals continue to experience symptoms, especially during the summer periods. For these patients, desensitization can offer significant benefits. Unlike medications that only suppress symptoms, the method addresses the underlying cause of the allergy by retraining the immune system to be less sensitive, leading to substantial long-term improvement in symptoms. This effect can persist for years after the treatment ends, making it the only option that modifies the disease, unlike conventional treatments.

Preparing for Desensitisation

Before undergoing desensitization, your consultant allergist will assess your symptoms during a consultation. This will include conducting allergy tests, such as skin prick and/or blood tests, to identify the specific allergen(s) responsible for your symptoms. These tests help determine the most appropriate course of treatment based on the allergens that affect you.

What Does Desensitisation Involve?

Allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to a substance that typically doesn’t cause harm, such as house dust mites or grass pollen. Immunotherapy, therefore, aims to train the immune system to cope with these allergens by administering regular doses. With time, this reduces symptoms significantly.

The main types of immunotherapy are:

  • Sublingual Immunotherapy. This is recommended for house dust mites, grass pollen, tree pollen, and pets). It involves taking an allergen extract under the tongue, which can be in drops or tablets. The initial dose is administered under the observation of an allergist, with subsequent dosages taken at home. This type of desensitization is used daily for 3 years.
  • Subcutaneous Immunotherapy. This is mainly suitable for aeroallergens and sometimes insect venom. It involves a sequence of injections in the upper arm, administered for 3 years. To ensure safety, each dose is given by an allergist, followed by supervision after every shot.

Who Should Undergo Desensitisation Immunotherapy?

Desensitization is typically recommended for individuals with severe allergies to house dust mites, pollen, pets, or insect venom. You may require this treatment if:

  • You experience fatal reactions to wasp/hornet or bee venom
  • You have serious seasonal allergies to a tree or grass pollen
  • You suffer from severe perennial (year-round) allergies to pets or house dust mites
  • Your symptoms cannot be controlled by medicine alone, and you’re unable to avoid the allergen
  • Your allergy drugs trigger side effects or interact with the medicines you’re using
  • You wish to minimize your long-term reliance on allergy medications

Overall Benefits of Desensitisation

Scientific studies have shown that desensitization effectively reduces symptoms associated with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (hay fever). It also helps with seasonal asthma triggered by tree or grass pollen and dust mites—the majority of patients undergoing treatment report a reduced need for medications. Since immunotherapy alters the immune system’s response to allergens, its useful effects can persist even after the 3-year treatment period.

Starting desensitization at an early age can assist in preventing new allergies from emerging and lowering the risk of developing asthma in the future. In general, immunotherapy targets specific allergens. For instance, treatment for grass pollen will help alleviate hay fever symptoms in the summer. However, this won’t address symptoms brought on by other allergens, like house dust mites, at different times of the year.

Desensitization Risks

While both types of desensitization carry some risks, your GP will carefully assess and manage them to ensure you get the best possible care.

Minor side effects may include:

  • A mild rash at the injection site for subcutaneous immunotherapy
  • Itchiness and swelling in the mouth for sublingual immunotherapy
  • Watery eyes, sneezing, or mild asthma symptoms
  • Fatigue and headaches

These side effects are typically mild and resolve independently after a short period, often without requiring treatment.

In rare cases, anaphylaxis may occur, leading to breathlessness, dizziness, or vomiting. While there are higher associated risks with subcutaneous (injectable) desensitization, our Allergy Clinic is well-equipped to address anaphylaxis if it arises.

Success Rate of Desensitisation Immunotherapy

The success rate of desensitization is generally high, with most patients reporting significant symptom improvements. Many individuals also experience reduced reliance on traditional treatments like antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays.

Additionally, starting sublingual immunotherapy at an early age may help prevent the development of new allergies and lower the risk of developing asthma. This is particularly important as children with hay fever are eight times more likely to develop asthma.

Start Your Journey Towards Allergy Relief Today!

If you’re tired of living with constant allergic reactions, desensitization immunotherapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for. We are dedicated to guiding you through every step, from allergy testing to creating a treatment plan that works best for you.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

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