Allergen immunotherapy

Allergen immunotherapy
An Alutard SQ injection kit
Other names	Desensitization, hypo-sensitization
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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]