What is Allergy Immunotherapy, and Does It Work?

Many people experience significant problems with allergies, and traditional treatment approaches, like medications, can be ineffective or inconvenient. However, there is a safe and effective alternative: allergy immunotherapy (AIT).

This treatment can help reduce the body’s sensitivity to a particular allergen, allowing individuals to enjoy places and experiences they previously couldn’t due to their allergies. In this post, we’ll discuss allergy immunotherapy and explore how it works.

Allergies: At a Glance

To understand allergy immunotherapy and how it works, we need to have a baseline understanding of allergies and how they work. Simply put, an allergy is a reaction in the body to a foreign substance called an allergen.

Your immune system makes antibodies, blood proteins that counteract a specific antigen, which are responsible for starting the chain reaction of an allergic response. So, when your body comes into contact with the allergen, whether it’s bee venom or cat dander, those antibodies send signals to cells that release specific chemicals.

This chemical release triggers the symptoms we recognize as allergies, which can range from a runny nose and itchy eyes to difficulty breathing. In severe cases, the exposure may advance to anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

Understanding Allergy Immunotherapy

Allergy immunotherapy (AIT) is a treatment designed to reduce the body’s sensitivity to a particular allergen, such as pollen, bee venom, pet dander, or northern pasture grasses. It works by administering a small, incrementally increasing dose of the allergen via injection, tablet, or drop.

Over time, the repeated exposure helps reduce the production of the “blocking” antibody that creates the symptoms. This results in reduced sensitivity to the allergen, allowing the individual to enjoy places and experiences they previously couldn’t have due to their allergies.

This process takes time, as most people see the best results within two to three years. However, many people see results within the first year, although the long-term commitment often yields better results.

Remember, everybody is different, so the process can look different for each person.

Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)

Sublingual immunotherapy is one of two types of allergy immunotherapy. It’s further divided into two subcategories: allergy drops and tablets. Both types are administered under the tongue (sublingual), making doses quick and easy.

Since this type doesn’t involve an injection, it can be administered at home without a doctor’s supervision. This makes it a great choice for kids, as it translates to fewer doctor’s visits and no allergy injections.

Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT)

Subcutaneous immunotherapy, the second type of AIT, is administered under the skin via an injection. This is the most common type of allergy immunotherapy and is renowned for its efficacy.

However, since the injections must be done under a doctor’s supervision due to a higher risk of adverse effects, this option isn’t often chosen for children.

The Science Behind Immunotherapy

Allergy immunotherapy has been around for over a century. It made its appearance in 1911, and it was introduced as allergen desensitization or hypo-sensitization by Leonard Noon and John Freeman. In the years that followed its introduction, countless studies and trials have been completed by healthcare providers and researchers worldwide.

For instance, one study evaluated evidence to determine the long-term impact of AIT on allergic rhinitis, finding that both types of AIT are effective treatments for it. It found that both types offer clinical benefits and immunological changes consistent with an allergen-specific tolerance.

Or consider these research and clinical trials, which demonstrate the efficacy of repeated subcutaneous injections in securing an allergen-specific tolerance and offering clinical benefits that persist for years after discontinuation.

Wrapping Up

For those suffering from allergies, allergy immunotherapy can be an excellent solution. It can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life by reducing sensitivity to allergens. While it takes a long-term commitment to see results, the effort is well worth it.

If you’re considering allergy immunotherapy to help tackle your allergies, talk to your primary care physician. They can help you decide if it’s right for you based on the severity of your allergies and your medical history.