Allergen immunotherapy
Medical treatment for environmental allergies / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Allergen immunotherapy, also known as desensitization or hypo-sensitization, is a medical treatment for environmental allergies, such as insect bites, and asthma.[1][2] Immunotherapy involves exposing people to larger and larger amounts of allergens in an attempt to change the immune system's response.[1]
Meta-analyses have found that injections of allergens under the skin are effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis in children[3][4] and in asthma.[2] The benefits may last for years after treatment is stopped.[5] It is generally safe and effective for allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, allergic forms of asthma, and stinging insects.[6] The evidence also supports the use of sublingual immunotherapy against rhinitis and asthma, but it is less strong.[5] In this form the allergen is given under the tongue and people often prefer it to injections.[5] Immunotherapy is not recommended as a stand-alone treatment for asthma.[5]
Side effects during sublingual immunotherapy treatment are usually local and mild and can often be eliminated by adjusting the dosage.[7] Anaphylaxis during sublingual immunotherapy treatment has occurred on rare occasions.[7]
Potential side effects related to subcutaneous immunotherapy treatment for asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis include mild or moderate skin or respiratory reactions.[8] Severe side effects such as anaphylaxis during subcutaneous immunotherapy treatment are relatively uncommon.[8]
Discovered by Leonard Noon and John Freeman in 1911, allergen immunotherapy is the only medicine known to tackle not only the symptoms but also the causes of respiratory allergies.[9] A detailed diagnosis is necessary to identify the allergens involved.[10]