What You Need to Know About the Only Method for Treating Allergies?

Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT): Dr. Dmitry Shilov from Kandinsky Clinic in Dubai discusses a method that's transforming the approach to allergy treatment.

What makes this method unique?

The treatment involves administering specific doses of the allergen that triggers the patient's symptoms. The doses are gradually increased, allowing the immune system to "adapt" to the allergen and lose its sensitivity to it.

This approach effectively blocks the body's excessive reaction, and subsequently, when exposed to the allergen, the negative symptoms decrease. This method is particularly effective in alleviating symptoms caused by plant pollen, house dust, and pet dander and saliva.

How to identify what you're allergic to?

Before beginning therapy, an allergist conducts diagnostic tests to identify substances triggering allergic reactions. This involves skin tests and blood analysis for specific immunoglobulin E. These methods help determine the causes of allergies and prescribe appropriate treatment.

ASIT is recommended when standard allergy treatments, including antihistamines and other medications, have proven ineffective, or if the condition has progressed to conditions such as bronchial asthma or atopic dermatitis.

How is the treatment conducted?

• Subcutaneous immunotherapy. This is one of the most common treatment methods. It works by modifying the immune system's response, reducing symptom severity.

• Sublingual immunotherapy. This injection alternative is more commonly used for children and adults who are sensitive to medications.

ASIT Treatment Phases

Allergen dose build-up phase. During this period, the volume of administered allergens gradually increases. For subcutaneous administration, the phase duration depends on injection frequency (once every 1-2 weeks), typically lasting about 4 months. With sublingual administration, doses can increase daily, reducing the phase duration to 5-7 days.

Maintenance (optimal) dose phase. This begins after reaching an effective maintenance dose, which depends on individual allergen sensitivity and response to the previous build-up phase. During the maintenance phase, subcutaneous treatments occur at extended intervals - from 2 to 8 weeks, as determined by the allergist based on health indicators. Sublingual immunotherapy requires daily administration.

Patients often notice symptom improvement during the build-up phase. However, significant improvement may require maintenance dosing for up to a year.

If ASIT proves successful in reducing allergic manifestations, maintenance treatment typically continues for 3-5 years. Consultation with a physician is necessary before discontinuing therapy.

During treatment, antihistamines may be used to reduce itching and skin redness if skin or other symptoms occur. It's crucial to note that treatment is conducted under strict medical supervision to avoid side effects.

Why is this important?

ASIT not only eliminates allergy symptoms but can also prevent the development of new allergies, such as food allergies, allergic rhinitis, or conjunctivitis. This comprehensive treatment effectively reduces allergen-induced inflammation and improves patients' quality of life.

Before starting treatment, always consult with a physician to determine the optimal therapy method. Following all medical recommendations and proper medication adherence is essential for maximum treatment effectiveness.