Immunotherapy is an effective treatment for many diseases, including some allergies. Unfortunately, immunotherapy can cause some side effects. While these side effects can be managed with the help of a doctor, it is important to be aware of them so that you can take steps to minimize or prevent them. In this article, we’ll discuss seven of the most common immunotherapy side effects that you should know about.
Local Side Effects (Under the Tongue and in the Mouth):
- Numbness and Tingling: This is by far the most common side effect, experienced by many patients.
- Mild Itching/Swelling: Some patients might experience mild itching or swelling under the tongue.
Other Mild Side Effects:
- Mild Throat Irritation: Patients might feel a slight irritation in the throat, which usually subsides quickly.
- Mild Stomach Upset: This can typically be improved by spitting out the drops after they have been absorbed under the tongue.
Potential, but Uncommon Side Effects:
- Worsening of Nasal and Eye Allergies: While possible, this is not a common occurrence.
- Worsening of Underlying Eczema or Asthma: Patients with pre-existing conditions like eczema or asthma might experience a worsening of their symptoms, though this is also uncommon.
Rare Side Effects:
- Rash: Although very rare and unexpected, some patients might develop a rash.
- Issues with Swallowing: Allergy immunotherapy can trigger or worsen eosinophilic esophagitis, a rare but possible side effect.
Extremely Rare Side Effects:
- Anaphylaxis: A life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis is possible but exceedingly rare. It is reported in medical literature to occur in approximately 1 in 100,000,000 to 1 in 1,000,000,000 doses of Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT). It is important to note that this is a very rare occurrence, and many healthcare professionals, including us, have never encountered such a case.
Allergy immunotherapy is generally well-tolerated, and side effects are typically mild and manageable. Patients should always communicate with their healthcare provider about any side effects they experience to ensure appropriate management and care.
Conclusion
Hopefully this article helps you understand the different side effects associated with immunotherapy. Although immunotherapy can cause side effects, most of them are manageable with the help of a medical practitioner. It is important to be aware of the potential side effects so that you can take steps to minimize or prevent them. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to bring them up with your practicing allergy specialist.
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