Journal of General Practice

Specific Immunotherapy against Allergens

Abstract

Thomas TH Wan

Allergen immunotherapy, also referred to as desensitization or hypo-sensitization, may be a medical treatment for environmental allergies, like insect bites, and asthma. Immunotherapy involves exposing people to larger and bigger amounts of allergen in an effort to vary the immune system's response. Meta-analyses have found that injections of allergens under the skin are effective within the treatment in rhinitis in children and in asthma. The advantages may last for years after treatment is stopped. It’s generally safe and effective for rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, allergic sorts of asthma, and stinging insects. The evidence also supports the utilization of sublingual immunotherapy against rhinitis and asthma, but it's less strong. During this form the allergen is given under the tongue and other people often prefer it to injections. Immunotherapy isn't recommended as a stand-alone treatment for asthma. Side effects during sublingual immunotherapy treatment are usually local and mild and may often be eliminated by adjusting the dosage.