Allergy immunotherapy

As I sit here and eat my dinner left over from last night, I am contemplating the effectiveness of allergy immunotherapy. Many people suffer from allergies, some more severe than others, and their quality of life is seriously affected by their over-reactive immune systems. To alleviate symptoms, many people take anti-histamines daily, and while there are many good products on the market, they are often expensive and a hassle for the sufferer. 

Immunotherapy aims to combat allergies at the root by desensitising the immune system. Allergens - the substance that causes the allergic reaction - are introduced to the sufferer at an increasing dosage over a period of time. The idea is to allow the body to adapt to a higher level of allergens and reduce the severity and even eliminate the body's reactions. In some sense, immunotherapy may be considered as a "cure" to allergies. Success rate depend on the individual, but research has shown up to 70%.

There are a few methods of delivery of allergens, one of which is by subcutaneous injections. The length and therefore cost of the therapy differ for each allergen. For some, it can be up to 5 years and very expensive. A visit to the GP is required for each injection. This is time consuming for both the sufferer and the doctor. There are also factors that may influence the effectiveness of the injections, such as mishandling of the allergens, poor injection technique or missed doses. For some people, that is enough to warrant them to stay on the anti-histamine. For others, immunotherapy is a path to freedom from allergies. I have chosen the latter path.

Always consult your doctor.