Immunotherapy

It’s like switching off your allergy

What is Immunotherapy?

Also called desensitisation, immunotherapy changes the way your immune system reacts to allergens. It’s like switching off the allergy. It changes your immunity to allergens which means you can tolerate them with fewer or no symptoms.

How does it work?

Allergen extracts are given to you over time, in gradually larger doses. The allergens can be administered as an injection, or as drops or tablets under the tongue. But its not a quick fix. Immunotherapy treatment takes 3-5 years to be successful.

Why immunotherapy?

There is no cure for allergy. There are very effective medications for allergy but immunotherapy can reduce the severity of your symptoms. So you may not need to use medication as frequently, if at all.

Can immunotherapy work for all allergies?

It has not yet been proven that immunotherapy is effective in switching off food allergies. Immunotherapy is not suitable if you have an intolerance rather than an allergy. This includes things like food chemicals, additives, preservatives, artificial colours and smoke.

What are common allergy symptoms?

Signs of a mild to moderate allergic reaction are:

Tingling mouth

Swelling of the lips, face, eyes

Abdominal pain, vomiting (these are signs of anaphylaxis for insect allergy)

Hives or welts

Signs of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) are:

Swelling of tongue

Difficult/noisy breathing

Wheezing/persistent cough

Swelling/tightness in throat

Dizziness, light-headedness or collapse

Pale and floppy (young children)

Difficulty talking and/or hoarse voice

Don’t wait any longer. Get on top of your allergy symptoms.

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