Allergy immunotherapy has been a game-changer in addressing the root cause of allergies, rather than just treating symptoms. But how effective is it for long-term relief? This blog explores the effectiveness of allergy immunotherapy, its science, and why it might be the solution you’ve been searching for.
This powerful treatment is unlike traditional allergy treatments, such as decongestants, antihistamines, and corticosteroids. Unlike those treatments, it focuses on the allergy, not the symptoms. But does it work for allergies? In this blog, we’ll explore allergies, allergy immunotherapy, and whether this treatment works.
Understanding Allergies: The Basics
Before we dive headfirst into the fascinating science behind allergy immunotherapy, we need to start with a foundational understanding of allergies. In simple terms, an allergy is your body’s reaction to a foreign substance.
This foreign substance, called an allergen, can take many forms, from bee venom and pollen to cat and dog dander. The allergen is rarely harmful, but your immune system isn’t able to recognize it as harmless.
So, when your body encounters that particular allergen, it kickstarts a reaction to protect you. Your antibodies, blood proteins that counteract a specific antigen, spring into action, communicating with cells that release specific chemicals.
When these chemicals are released inside your body, they tell your immune system to trigger the symptoms we know as allergies. These symptoms can range in severity from an itchy nose to difficulty breathing. Sometimes, the reaction can even progress to anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
Understanding Allergy Immunotherapy
Allergy immunotherapy (AIT) is a treatment that helps desensitize your body to an allergen, such as bee venom or northern pasture grasses. There are two categories of allergy immunotherapy: sublingual and subcutaneous.
The first, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), is administered under the tongue via tablets or drops. This option is popular for children, as it doesn’t involve frequent doctor visits or injections.
The second, subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), is administered under the skin via an injection. It’s commonly known as allergy shots and is the most popular type of AIT.
How Allergy Immunotherapy Works
Allergy immunotherapy has been a game-changer in addressing the root cause of allergies, rather than just treating symptoms. But how effective is it for long-term relief? This blog explores the effectiveness of allergy immunotherapy, its science, and why it might be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Is Allergy Immunotherapy Effective?
Allergy immunotherapy is highly effective in treating various types of allergies. Research consistently shows the effectiveness of allergy immunotherapy in treating various types of allergies, including:
- European study compared AIT-treated individuals to a control group, examining AIT, allergic rhinitis, and asthma prescriptions. It found that the AIT-treated group had significantly lower allergic rhinitis and asthma prescriptions than the control group. Furthermore, it found that the AIT-treated group had a higher chance of stepping down asthma treatment than the control group.
- Another study evaluated AIT’s long-term effects on allergic rhinitis, finding that both sublingual and subcutaneous immunotherapy are effective in treating it. AIT offered clinical benefits and immunological changes consistent with an allergen-specific tolerance.
- An assortment of research and clinical trials examined the efficacy of repeated subcutaneous injections for achieving an allergen-specific tolerance. They found that AIT is highly effective in achieving such a result that persists even beyond discontinuation of the treatment.
These are just a few of the many studies and trials published online and in various books. The research is plentiful, so if you want to learn more about AIT, you’ll have no shortage of material.
Benefits of Allergy Immunotherapy
- Long-Term Relief: Unlike temporary symptom relief from antihistamines, AIT targets the root cause for lasting benefits.
- Reduced Medication Dependence: With regular treatment, many patients can reduce or eliminate their need for allergy medications.
- Improved Quality of Life: AIT allows individuals to enjoy activities previously limited by allergies, such as spending time outdoors or with pets.
Is Allergy Immunotherapy Right for You?
AIT is most effective for individuals with moderate to severe allergies who experience symptoms for a significant part of the year. It’s also beneficial for those who don’t respond well to over-the-counter allergy medications. However, you’ll need to consult with your doctor to determine if AIT is right for you.
Final Thoughts
Allergy immunotherapy offers promising results for those who commit the time to embark on an AIT journey. Whether you’re suffering from an allergy to pet dander or a pollen allergy, AIT can be a powerful tool in combatting those pesky symptoms and giving you the freedom to enjoy experiences you previously couldn’t.
Of course, like any healthcare decision, it’s important to talk to your doctor first. They’ll consider your medical history and current allergies to help you determine if AIT is right for you.
Have you considered allergy immunotherapy? Share your questions and experiences in the comments below!
