Desensitisation Injection – Allergy Immunotherapy
A desensitisation injection is a specific immunotherapy used to treat allergies. It gradually reduces the immune system´s overreaction to allergens for long-term relief.
Things worth knowing about "Desensitisation Injection"
A desensitisation injection is a specific immunotherapy used to treat allergies. It gradually reduces the immune system´s overreaction to allergens for long-term relief.
What is a Desensitisation Injection?
A desensitisation injection – also known as allergen immunotherapy (AIT) or specific immunotherapy (SIT) – is a medical treatment in which patients with allergies are gradually exposed to increasing amounts of the allergen that triggers their symptoms. The goal is to reduce or eliminate the immune system´s overreaction over the long term. It is considered the only causal treatment available for allergies, addressing the underlying mechanism rather than just managing symptoms.
How Does Desensitisation Work?
During desensitisation treatment, the patient is given gradually increasing doses of the relevant allergen at regular intervals. Over time, the immune system learns to tolerate the allergen without mounting an allergic response. This process is known as immune tolerance.
There are two main methods of administration:
- Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT): The allergen extract is injected under the skin, typically at a doctor´s office or allergy clinic.
- Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): The allergen is administered as drops or dissolving tablets placed under the tongue, often allowing home administration after initial supervision.
Indications
Desensitisation injections are used to treat a range of allergic conditions, including:
- Pollen allergy (e.g., birch or grass pollen)
- House dust mite allergy
- Pet dander allergy
- Insect venom allergy (e.g., bee or wasp stings)
- Mould allergy
Treatment Duration and Process
Treatment typically consists of two phases:
- Build-up phase: The allergen dose is gradually increased over several weeks to months, depending on the protocol used.
- Maintenance phase: The maximum tolerated dose is administered at regular intervals, usually over a total period of 3 years.
Noticeable symptom relief may occur as early as the first treatment season, but the full benefit of the therapy is usually achieved after completing the entire 3-year course.
Effectiveness and Benefits
Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of allergen immunotherapy. Key benefits include:
- Long-lasting reduction in allergy symptoms
- Decreased need for allergy medications such as antihistamines
- Prevention of asthma development in children with hay fever
- Prevention of sensitisation to new allergens
Side Effects and Risks
Desensitisation treatment is generally well tolerated. Possible side effects include:
- Local reactions at the injection site (redness, swelling, itching)
- Mild systemic reactions such as sneezing or itchy eyes
- In rare cases: severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) – which is why injections are always administered under medical supervision
Who is Suitable for Treatment?
Desensitisation injections are suitable for children aged approximately 5 years and older, as well as adults. The treatment is generally not recommended for patients with:
- Severe uncontrolled asthma
- Serious cardiovascular conditions
- Certain medications (e.g., beta-blockers)
- New initiation during pregnancy
References
- Pfaar O. et al. – Guideline on allergen-specific immunotherapy in IgE-mediated allergic diseases. Allergo Journal International, 2014.
- World Allergy Organization (WAO) – White Book on Allergy, 2013.
- Jutel M. et al. – International consensus on allergy immunotherapy. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2015.
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