Diagnosis & Specialist Care of Allergy & Clinical Immunology - Since 1982
What Is Desensitisation Treatment?
Allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless protein as a threat, triggering an overreaction and a release of histamine which leads to a range of symptoms. Airborne allergies typically trigger rhinitis symptoms, including:
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Itchy eyes, nose & throat
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Watery and red eyes
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Sneezing
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Congested feeling
Desensitisation treatment, also known as immunotherapy, is a proven method that works to build the immune system's tolerance to specific allergens by regularly exposing the body to concentrated doses of the allergen in question. Over time, the immune system gradually becomes less reactive, reducing or even eliminating allergic symptoms.
How allergies impact our life
Allergic rhinitis, the most common form of non-infectious rhinitis, affects approximately 10-15% of children and 26% of adults in the UK. Many of our patients have been struggling to avoid their allergy triggers for years, often relying on a combination of tablets, eye drops, and nasal sprays. However, despite their best efforts, debilitating symptoms can persist, impacting daily life, work, and even athletic performance.
From professional cyclists slowed down by a pollen allergy, or office workers unable to concentrate due to constant itching, sneezing, and fatigue. While antihistamines offer relief for many, others can find them difficult to tolerate, and sometimes even high doses may not fully control the symptoms.
The Benefits of Immunotherapy
When antihistamines are not enough, immunotherapy offers a more definitive solution. This treatment is particularly effective for airborne allergens, including pollens, dust mites, moulds, and animal dander. It has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms in the majority of patients, as well as a reduced reliance on medication.​
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There are two main types of immunotherapy:
1. Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT):
Background:
The older, most well-known form of treatment,
Medication Type:
Injections administered by a specialist
Dose:
Approximately once a month for a few months each year, over a three-year period.
Other Information:
The first successful trial of the concept of grass pollen desensitisation took place in 1911 under Leonard Noon. Whilst the treatment has modernised since then, the guiding principle remains the same.
2. Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT):
Background:
A more modern approach, first proposed in 1986
Medication Type:
An oral drop or small tablet under the tongue
Dose:
Once daily, usually for a period of three years.
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Other Information::
The first dose is administered under medical supervision and, provided it is well tolerated, the rest of the treatment can be conveniently continued at home.
Both sublingual and subcutaneous immunotherapy needs to begin pre-seasonally, usually in the autumn or winter for the following hay fever season.
The Evolution and Safety of Immunotherapy
SLIT is widely regarded as a safer alternative that is just as effective as SCIT.
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While immunotherapy is generally considered low-risk, it is important to be aware of its history. In the 1980s, a British Medical Journal report linked SCIT to 26 anaphylactic deaths over 30 years. These findings prompted stricter regulations and increased the popularity of SLIT as a safer option. Notably, there have been no reported fatalities from SLIT, and it is far less likely to cause adverse reactions.
