Immunotherapy, in medicine, refers to an array of treatment strategies based upon the concept of modulating the immune system to achieve a prophylactic and/or therapeutic goal, is a form of treatment wherein extracts of allergens (pollens, dust mites, molds spores, and certain other common triggers of allergic reactions.) are introduced into the body to induce an immunologic response, resulting in the eventual reduction or elimination of the allergic reaction. While other allergy treatments (such as antihistamines or corticosteroids) treat only the symptoms of allergic disease, immunotherapy is the only available treatment that can modify the natural course of the allergic disease, by reducing sensitivity to allergens.
Not all allergic patients need immunotherapy. The decision as to who would benefit from this treatment depends on the nature of the allergy, i.e., what the allergic patient is allergic to and the severity of the allergic symptoms. It should be realized, however, that immunotherapy, although very effective, is never the sole modality in the treatment of the allergic individual. Immunotherapy is generally not indicated for food or medicinal allergies. Immunotherapy is typically individually tailored and administered by an allergist. This therapy is particularly useful for people with allergic rhinitis or asthma.
The therapy is particularly likely to be successful if it begins early in life or soon after the allergy develops for the first time. Immunotherapy involves a series of injections (shots) given regularly for several years by a specialist in a hospital clinic. In the past, this was called a serum, but this is an incorrect name. Most allergists now call this mixture an allergy extract. The first shots contain very tiny amounts of the allergen or antigen to which you are allergic. With progressively increasing dosages over time, your body will adjust to the allergen and become less sensitive to it. This process is called desensitization.
Not all allergic patients need immunotherapy. The decision as to who would benefit from this treatment depends on the nature of the allergy, i.e., what the allergic patient is allergic to and the severity of the allergic symptoms. It should be realized, however, that immunotherapy, although very effective, is never the sole modality in the treatment of the allergic individual. Immunotherapy is generally not indicated for food or medicinal allergies. Immunotherapy is typically individually tailored and administered by an allergist. This therapy is particularly useful for people with allergic rhinitis or asthma.
The therapy is particularly likely to be successful if it begins early in life or soon after the allergy develops for the first time. Immunotherapy involves a series of injections (shots) given regularly for several years by a specialist in a hospital clinic. In the past, this was called a serum, but this is an incorrect name. Most allergists now call this mixture an allergy extract. The first shots contain very tiny amounts of the allergen or antigen to which you are allergic. With progressively increasing dosages over time, your body will adjust to the allergen and become less sensitive to it. This process is called desensitization.
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