Allergen Immunotherapy

Allergen Immunotherapy: A Long-Term Solution for Allergy Relief

Allergies can significantly impact your daily life, causing discomfort and affecting your well-being. Whether you’re allergic to house dust mites, pollen, pet dander, or other common allergens, allergen immunotherapy is a proven treatment that can provide long-term relief. Dr Ritika Goyal offers both allergy shots and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) to help manage your symptoms and address the root cause of your allergies.

Allergen immunotherapy is the only treatment that can modify your immune system’s response to allergens, offering lasting results and reducing the need for continuous medication. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals seeking a more permanent solution to their allergy problems.

What is Allergen Immunotherapy?

Allergen immunotherapy is a treatment designed to reduce your body’s sensitivity to specific allergens. By gradually introducing small amounts of the allergen into your system, either through allergy shots or sublingual tablets, the immune system is trained to tolerate these substances, preventing severe allergic reactions over time. Allergen immunotherapy is commonly used for conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and allergic conjunctivitis, triggered by allergens like house dust mites, pollen, mold, and pet dander.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between allergy shots and sublingual immunotherapy?

Both allergy shots and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) are forms of allergen immunotherapy, but they differ in how the allergen is administered. Allergy shots involve injecting a small amount of the allergen under the skin in regular intervals, usually starting with weekly or bi-weekly injections and gradually increasing the dosage.

On the other hand, sublingual immunotherapy involves placing a tablet or drop containing the allergen under your tongue. SLIT is typically self-administered at home, making it a convenient alternative to allergy shots. Both methods are effective, but your doctor will determine which treatment is most suitable for you based on your medical history and specific allergies.

2. How effective is allergen immunotherapy for house dust mite allergies?

House dust mites are one of the most common indoor allergens, and they can trigger a variety of allergic reactions, including asthma and allergic rhinitis. Allergen immunotherapy can help reduce sensitivity to dust mites by gradually introducing small amounts of dust mite proteins into the body. This process trains the immune system to respond less dramatically to dust mites, reducing symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. Both allergy shots and sublingual immunotherapy can be used to treat house dust mite allergies effectively. Research shows that more than 90% individuals have 5-year symptom free period and around 75% individuals have 10-year symptom free period after allergen immunotherapy for 3 years.

3. Is allergen immunotherapy safe for children with allergies?

Yes, allergen immunotherapy is safe for children and is commonly used to treat allergies in pediatric patients, including those with allergies to house dust mites, pollen, and pets. It is an especially good option for children who have not responded well to other allergy treatments or those who experience persistent allergic reactions. The treatment is carefully tailored to the child's age, specific allergens, and medical needs to ensure both safety and efficacy. As with any treatment, it’s essential to work with an experienced allergist to determine the best course of action for your child.

4. How long does allergen immunotherapy take to show results?

It typically takes about 3–6 months of consistent treatment before patients begin to notice significant improvements in their allergy symptoms. Some individuals may start to feel better even sooner, while others may take a little longer. The full course of treatment usually lasts 3–5 years, during which time the dosage is modified by your doctor. After completing the treatment, many individuals experience long-lasting relief from their allergies, sometimes permanently.

5. Are there any risks or side effects associated with allergen immunotherapy?

Allergen immunotherapy is generally considered safe, but like any medical treatment, it can have some side effects. Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as redness or swelling at the injection site (for allergy shots) or mild irritation in the mouth or throat (for sublingual immunotherapy). Severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis, are rare but can occur, especially with allergy shots. For this reason, allergy shots are given in a medical setting where immediate treatment can be provided if necessary. Your allergist will closely monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed to ensure safety.