Allergies are a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. They occur when the immune system overreacts to a harmless substance, triggering a range of symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and swelling. They also come in a wide variety, triggered by a myriad of things, such as food, sensory issues, environmental changes, and more. While there are several treatment options available, including medications and avoidance of allergens, immunotherapy is emerging as a promising treatment option for allergies.
Immunotherapy offers a long-term solution to reduce or even eliminate allergy symptoms by desensitizing the immune system to the allergen. This treatment involves a series of injections or sublingual allergy drops that contain small amounts of the allergen, gradually increasing the dose over time. Studies have shown that immunotherapy is effective in reducing allergy symptoms in up to 85% of patients and can reduce the need for allergy medications in up to 80% of patients. If you suffer from allergies, talk to your doctor about whether immunotherapy is right for you.
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Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is a treatment option that involves exposing the patient to small amounts of the allergen to which they are allergic. The goal of immunotherapy is to desensitize the immune system to the allergen by gradually increasing the amount of allergen the patient is exposed to over time. This process helps the immune system to build up a tolerance to the allergen, which can reduce or even eliminate allergy symptoms.
Immunotherapy involves a series of dosages given over a period of several months or even years. The dosage contains small amounts of the allergen, and the dose is gradually increased over time. The treatment is usually given in two phases: the build-up phase and the maintenance phase. During the build-up phase, the patient receives a dosage once or twice a week, with the dose gradually increasing with each administration. Once the maintenance dose is reached, the dosages are given less frequently, usually every 2-4 weeks. Typically for sublingual immunotherapy, dosages are taken everyday as required for effective treatment.
Immunotherapy should also be known as a highly personalized treatment. The allergen used in the treatment is selected based on the patient's allergy test results, which identify the specific allergens to which the patient is allergic. The treatment plan is then developed based on the severity of the patient's symptoms, medical history, and other factors.
While immunotherapy is generally safe, it can also cause side effects, including redness and swelling at the injection site, itching, and hives. In rare cases, it can cause a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention. For this reason, immunotherapy should only be administered by a trained medical professional in a clinical setting. At the same time, consultation must be done thoroughly before trying this treatment for any allergies.
Several studies have shown that immunotherapy is an effective treatment option for allergies. One study conducted by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology found that immunotherapy was effective in reducing allergy symptoms in up to 85% of patients. Another study found that immunotherapy reduced the need for allergy medications in up to 80% of patients.
Immunotherapy is particularly effective for patients with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and allergic asthma. These conditions can be difficult to manage with medications alone, and immunotherapy offers a long-term solution to reduce or even eliminate symptoms. In addition, immunotherapy has been shown to have long-lasting effects, with many patients experiencing a reduction in symptoms even after the treatment has ended.
There are two main types of allergy immunotherapy: subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). Here below, we will discuss them today:
SCIT is the most common form of immunotherapy and involves injections of the allergen into the fatty tissue under the skin. The injections are given in the doctor's office and require close monitoring for any adverse reactions. The build-up phase of treatment usually lasts 3-6 months, and the maintenance phase can last up to 3-5 years.
Sublingual immunotherapy involves placing a tablet or liquid containing the allergen under the tongue. The treatment can be done at home, and the patient does not need to visit the doctor's office for each dose. SLIT has been shown to be effective in treating allergic rhinitis and asthma as well as many other types of allergies and it is considered to be more convenient than SCIT, since it can be administered at the comfort of one’s own home.
Indeed, we see now that immunotherapy is a promising treatment option for allergies that offers a long-term solution to reduce or even eliminate symptoms. The treatment involves exposing the patient to small amounts of the allergen to build up a tolerance over time. Moreover, previous studies have shown that this treatment is an effective way to reduce allergy symptoms in the majority of patients as well as reduce the need for allergy medications.
Beyond its function, we have highlighted that there are two main types of immunotherapy: subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). While SCIT is the most common form of immunotherapy, SLIT offers the convenience of at-home treatment.
It's important to note that immunotherapy is not a quick fix for allergies. The treatment can take several months or even years to complete, and the patient may continue to experience symptoms during the build-up phase. However, the long-term benefits of immunotherapy can be significant, with many patients experiencing a reduction in symptoms even after the treatment has ended.
With all that being said, if you suffer from allergies, talk to your doctor about whether immunotherapy is right for you. The right medical attention is the surefire way for you to address and treat any ailment that you or a loved one may be experiencing.
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