Most allergy medicines, such as antihistamines, nasal sprays and inhalers, control symptoms but don’t change the allergy itself. When you stop them, symptoms often come back. Allergen immunotherapy, also called allergy vaccine or allergy shots, is different: it works on the cause, gradually teaching the immune system to stop overreacting to a specific allergen. In this video, Dr. Dipak Viradia, Chest Physician & Intensivist, explains how it works and who can benefit.

How immunotherapy works. Once allergy testing confirms exactly what you are allergic to, for example dust mites or pollen, small amounts of that allergen are given regularly in carefully increasing doses. Over time, the immune system becomes less sensitive to it, so exposure causes fewer and milder symptoms.

Types of immunotherapy:

• Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT): injections given under the skin at the clinic
• Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT): tablets or drops placed under the tongue, for selected allergens

The treatment course:

1. Build-up phase: the dose is increased gradually over several weeks to months.
2. Maintenance phase: a steady dose is continued at regular intervals.
3. Duration: usually 3 to 5 years for long-lasting benefit. Many patients continue to feel the benefit for years after completing the course.

Improvement is gradual, and most patients start noticing benefit within the first several months.

Who can benefit?

• People with allergic rhinitis (sneezing, blocked or runny nose) and allergic conjunctivitis (itchy, watery eyes)
• People with allergic asthma that is well controlled
• Those whose triggers are confirmed by allergy testing, such as dust mites, pollen, mould or pet dander
• Patients whose symptoms continue despite medicines, who need medicines most of the year, or who want to reduce long-term medicine use
• Children (usually from about 5 years of age) with allergic rhinitis, where it may also help reduce the risk of developing asthma later

Who may not be suitable? Immunotherapy may not be advised in people with uncontrolled or severe asthma, certain heart conditions, some medicines (such as beta-blockers), or serious immune disorders. It is usually not started during pregnancy, although an ongoing maintenance course may be continued on medical advice. Your doctor will assess this before starting.

Is it safe? When given under medical supervision, immunotherapy is safe. Common side effects are mild, such as redness, itching or swelling at the injection site, or mild itching in the mouth with sublingual drops. Rarely, a more serious allergic reaction can occur, which is why injections are given at the clinic, and patients are observed for about 30 minutes afterwards.

Benefits of immunotherapy:

• Treats the cause of allergy, not just the symptoms
• Fewer and milder symptoms
• Reduced need for daily medicines
• Long-lasting relief after the course is completed
• Better sleep, work and quality of life

Dr. Dipak Viradia
Chest Physician & Intensivist | Interventional Pulmonologist & ECMO Specialist
Rudrax Chest Clinic, 301, Solaris Royce, Opp. Old RTO, Athwagate, Ring Road, Surat – 395001
Appointment: +91 75676 19985
Website: www.drdipakviradia.com