Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis with Immunotherapy

Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is a prevalent issue that complicates the lives of many individuals. This condition arises due to various allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. Allergic reactions significantly impact daily quality of life, with symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itching often disrupting the activities of those affected.

Treating hay fever can often be challenging, as traditional medications only alleviate symptoms without addressing the root cause of the problem. Immunotherapy is an alternative solution that tackles the underlying cause of the disease, allowing patients to find a long-term resolution to their issue.

During the therapy, the body develops tolerance through gradual exposure to the allergen, thereby reducing the severity of allergic reactions. However, the process and mechanism of action of immunotherapy remain unfamiliar to many, making it worthwhile to explore this treatment method in more detail.

The Basics of Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is an effective method for treating allergic rhinitis that not only focuses on alleviating symptoms but also addresses the underlying cause. The goal of allergen-specific immunotherapy is to help the body gradually acclimate to the allergen, leading to tolerance. At the beginning of the treatment, the patient receives a small dose of the allergen, which is gradually increased until the desired “maintenance” dose is reached.

This method is particularly effective for hay fever and other forms of allergic rhinitis. In Hungary, the most common allergen is the pollen of ragweed, but treatments are available for other pollens, weeds, dust mites, and pet dander as well. Before starting therapy, it is essential for the patient to be aware of the timing of the treatment, as for pollen allergies, the treatment should begin at least two months before the pollen season.

Types of Immunotherapy

There are two main types of immunotherapy, with injectable and sublingual forms being the most common. In subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), the allergen is injected under the skin, which is highly effective as the dosage can be precisely controlled. This method is particularly recommended for severe allergies, as multiple allergens can be treated simultaneously.

The downside of SCIT is that the treatment must be conducted under medical supervision due to the injections, requiring frequent visits to the doctor. In contrast, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) allows the patient to administer the treatment at home, as allergen drops are placed under the tongue.

The advantage of SLIT is that it avoids the risks associated with injections; however, its effectiveness can vary, and the medication must be administered daily during the therapy. The dosage gradually increases, and the treatment duration typically lasts 3-5 years.

Who Can Benefit from Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is available to almost anyone who is at least five years old and has been diagnosed with an allergic condition for at least two years. However, it is not recommended for patients with severe asthma symptoms, and it is contraindicated in certain health conditions. For example, pregnant women, individuals with severe psychiatric disorders, or cancer patients are advised against this treatment.

During the therapy, patients may experience changes in their symptoms. Favorable effects can often be observed within the first year of the treatment, which lasts 3-5 years. Allergic complaints may gradually decrease, and patients may notice that they are able to endure previously unbearable allergy seasons more easily.

It is important to note that immunotherapy does not guarantee lifelong symptom relief, and individual responses may vary. After successful therapy, beneficial effects can last for 5-10 years, but the effectiveness of treatment always depends on individual characteristics.