Desensitisation
Desensitisation is a treatment that "tricks", or "re-educates" the immune system to think that the allergen is a normal part of the environment (which it is!). It works better than nasal steroids and an antihistamine combined and is the only available treatment that can go close to curing an allergy.
It works exceptionally well for people with allergic rhinitis, but can also work for those with asthma. In children it can stop new allergies developing (ie if allergic to dust mite, it can stop you becoming allergic to cat etc). Even more importantly, it has also been shown to prevent the development of asthma in children.
Treatment involves either injections, or drops under the tongue (sublingual). Each person who has desensitisation needs to have a mix of allergens tailored to their individual needs.
Injection immunotherapy is given weekly for 4 months then monthly for the next 3 years. It is a big time commitment, but worth it! It is generally given for 3-4 years total, but we should know if it is going to work within the first year. Injections have to be given by a doctor which may make it somewhat inconvenient, but it is very effective.
Sublingual desensitisation (drops under the tongue) is new. It has been used widely in Europe for many years and is now available in Perth. This works the same as injections and needs to be taken for 3-4 years. It is very safe and more convenient because it can be given in your own home. There are only mild side effects such as itching in the mouth but there are no needles involved.
back to Disease Info - Allergy
