Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy involves administering a regular dose of allergen extract over a period of years. The period of therapy is usually between 3 to 5 years. It can be given as an injection into the subcutaneous tissue or medication under the tongue (sublingual). The decision regarding which method is used will be based on your child’s needs. It is not a cure but is the closest thing we have for a ‘cure’ to pollen allergy, dust mite allergy and certain insect bites.

The regular administration of allergen extract changes the way the immune system reacts to the allergen. The end result is that the body slowly becomes immune to the allergen, so it can be tolerated with fewer or no symptoms.

Improvement with allergen immunotherapy does not occur immediately. Your child usually requires at least 3 months of treatment before improvement in symptoms may be observed. The full effect of the therapy is seen after being on the immunotherapy for at least 3 to 5 years.

Allergic conditions that benefit from immunotherapy

• Severe hay fever (allergic rhino-conjunctivitis) due to pollen or dust mite allergy
• Asthma due to pollen or dust mite allergy
• Anaphylaxis due to bee or wasp venom

Side effects
The side effects experienced depends on how the immunotherapy is given.

Injections

• Swelling at injection site
• A slight feeling of discomfort but not pain with the injection itself
• Allergic reactions (uncommonly anaphylaxis)

Sublingual

• Irritation, minor swelling or itching inside the mouth
• Stomach upset or nausea
• Allergic reactions (anaphylaxis risk is lower than injections)

 
Food immunotherapy
Immunotherapy to switch off food allergy is the subject of research. It is yet to enter routine clinical practice.

(Adapted from ASCIA)