What is Allergen Immunotherapy?

Allergy Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots or desensitization therapy, is a medical treatment for certain types of allergies. It works by exposing people to carefully controlled doses of specific allergens they are sensitive to in order to decrease the symptoms from that allergen.

How Does It Work?

Allergen immunotherapy works by modifying the immune system's response to allergens over time. During treatment, patients are given controlled doses of an allergen they are sensitive to, like pollen, pet dander or venom, in order to desensitize their bodies. The initial doses are very small but increase gradually over the course of therapy, usually lasting three to five years. Allergy Immunotherapy helps reprogram the immune system so that it produces less antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE), the type of antibody that causes an allergic reaction. It also stimulates increased production of blocking antibodies immunoglobulin G (IgG) which help counteract the IgE response and prevent an allergic reaction from occurring.

Allergens Used in Allergy Immunotherapy

Common allergens that can be used in immunotherapy include pollens, dust mites, pet dander, insect venom and molds. Pollens are probably the most common and include tree, grass and weed pollens that are regional depending on where a person lives. Dust mites are a major indoor allergen that patients can become desensitized to. Pet dander, such as from dogs and cats, is also routinely used. Venom immunotherapy is used for insect stings from bees, wasps, hornets and fire ants. Molds can also be administered for patients sensitive to certain types of fungi and mold spores. The allergens are typically administered via weekly shots under a doctor's supervision or as daily sublingual drops or tablets that are placed under the tongue.

How Effective is Immunotherapy?

When done correctly, allergen immunotherapy can provide long-term benefits for managing allergies. Clinical studies have shown it reduces symptoms in 70-90% of patients after three to five years of treatment. Several studies have also found lasting effects after treatment is stopped, keeping symptoms controlled many years later. For insect venom allergies, immunotherapy is more than 90% effective for preventing severe or life-threatening reactions to a future sting. The level of benefit depends on the allergen being treated, severity of symptoms, and proper administration over several years. Immunotherapy is considered the only treatment that can modify the underlying immune response and offer lasting benefits once completed.

Benefits of Allergy Immunotherapy

Beyond reducing allergy symptoms, immunotherapy offers several advantages over other treatment options:

-Long-Term Effect: The immune tolerance achieved from years of treatment often provides long-lasting benefits even after stopping therapy. The immune system maintains a "memory" of the desensitization.

-Fewer Medications Needed: As tolerance builds over time, patients typically need less allergy medications like antihistamines and decongestants to control their symptoms.

-Safety: When done properly under medical supervision, immunotherapy has an excellent safety profile and severe reactions are rare. Proper dosing and monitoring minimize risks.

-Cost Savings: The up-front costs of 3-5 years of immunotherapy end up being more cost effective long-term versus continual use of medications year after year.

-Quality of Life: Reduced symptoms mean improved quality of life by not being as hampered by allergies. Immunotherapy allows patients to better control their environment and activities.

Potential Side Effects

As with any medical treatment, immunotherapy does carry some risks, especially with higher doses. However, reactions are typically minor when proper precautions are followed:

-Local Reactions: Mild redness, itching, swelling or pain may occur at the injection site. Sublingual versions usually have fewer local side effects.

-Systemic Reactions: On rare occasions, higher doses can cause symptoms away from the injection site like hives, nasal congestion, coughing or low blood pressure. Epinephrine is always on hand to treat any severe reactions.

-Risk Factors: People with severe or uncontrolled asthma have a higher risk of symptoms with immunotherapy. Doctors screen carefully for safety.

Who Should Consider Immunotherapy?

In general, allergy patients who would be good candidates for immunotherapy include:

-Those with moderate-severe and persistent symptoms not fully controlled by medications alone.

-Patients needing to reduce reliance on medications due to side effects or expense.

-Those whose quality of life is significantly impacted from allergies.

-Sensitivities to perennial allergens like dust mites, animal dander or molds.

-Venom allergy sufferers requiring protection from future stings.

-Children over the age of 5, as immunotherapy is considered one of the most effective long-term options for pediatric allergies.

-Adults with allergies likely to continue into older age.

While not for everyone, Allergy Immunotherapy can provide lasting relief from troublesome allergies when other treatments have not been fully successful. It takes a three to five year commitment, but for motivated patients the benefits are worth it. Consulting an allergist is the best way to determine if allergen immunotherapy may help improve your life.

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About Author:

Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.

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