Allergen Immunotherapy: Long-Term Treatment for Allergy Relief
Understanding how allergen immunotherapy works and who may benefit
Allergen immunotherapy is a treatment that aims to reduce your immune system’s sensitivity to specific allergens. Unlike treatments that mainly relieve allergy symptoms, immunotherapy works by gradually changing the way your immune system responds to the allergens that trigger your symptoms.
In this video, Dr Glenis Scadding (UK) explains how allergen immunotherapy works, who may benefit from treatment, and why it can offer longer-term benefits for people with allergic rhinitis.
In this video, you’ll learn:
- What allergen immunotherapy is and how it works
- How immunotherapy targets the underlying allergic response
- Who may be suitable for allergen immunotherapy
- The difference between allergy injections and sublingual immunotherapy, including tablets and drops
- Why following your treatment schedule consistently is important
- What you can expect from allergen immunotherapy as part of your long-term allergy management
Watch the video below to learn more about how allergen immunotherapy works and whether this treatment approach may be relevant to you.
What is allergen immunotherapy?
Allergen immunotherapy involves giving controlled amounts of a specific allergen to your immune system over time. The aim is to gradually reduce your sensitivity to that allergen and improve allergy symptoms.
This approach is different from conventional allergy medicines, which primarily help control symptoms such as a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Allergen immunotherapy is designed to modify the immune system’s response to the allergen itself.
Who may benefit from allergen immunotherapy?
Allergen immunotherapy may be considered for people with certain allergies, including allergic rhinitis, particularly when symptoms remain troublesome despite standard allergy treatments.
Whether immunotherapy is appropriate depends on factors such as the specific allergen involved, your symptoms, your allergy test results, and your individual circumstances. An allergy specialist can assess your situation and discuss whether treatment may be suitable for you.
What types of allergen immunotherapy are available?
There are different ways of administering allergen immunotherapy, depending on the allergen and the treatment available.
- Injection immunotherapy: The allergen is administered through injections, usually according to a gradually increasing treatment schedule and under appropriate medical supervision.
- Sublingual immunotherapy: Some allergens can be treated using tablets or drops taken under the tongue. Treatment is usually continued regularly over an extended period according to the prescribed schedule.
Your healthcare professional can explain which treatment options are available for your particular allergy and which approach may be most appropriate for you.
Please note: This video is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Allergen immunotherapy is not suitable for everyone. Always follow the treatment advice and instructions provided by your healthcare team.
