Immunotherapy and treatments for allergies
Learn about the treatment options that are available to relieve your symptoms and treat allergies at their source.
Immunotherapy is the only treatment capable of altering the course of an allergy, targeting the cause and not just the symptoms.
What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a medical treatment that seeks to change the immune system’s response to a specific allergen. Unlike drugs that only relieve symptoms, immunotherapy targets the cause of allergy, helping the body to develop tolerance to the substance that causes it.
This treatment consists of administering controlled, gradually increasing doses of the allergen to which the person is sensitive through injections (subcutaneous immunotherapy). Over time, the immune system “is trained” to stop overreacting to that stimulus.
What are the benefits of immunotherapy?
Specific immunotherapy (allergy shots) helps the immune system to tolerate the allergens that cause the symptoms, reducing its overreaction. Through controlled doses of the allergen, the body learns to respond less aggressively.
Over time, this leads to a gradual improvement in symptoms – such as sneezing, congestion or difficulty breathing – and reduces the need for daily medication, which significantly improves the patient’s quality of life.
In the short term
Decrease in allergy symptoms.
Reduction in the use of symptomatic medication.
Better control of asthma attacks, rhinitis and outbreaks of allergic conjunctivitis.
In the long term
The benefits remain even after the treatment has ended, with effects lasting for several years or, in some cases, a lifetime.
It prevents the progression of allergic disease.
What types of treatment are there?
Currently, the two most common ways of administering immunotherapy are subcutaneously (through injections under the skin) and sublingually (through drops placed under the tongue).
The treatment is divided into two stages. Induction phase: starts with very low doses that are gradually increased, allowing the body to get used to the allergen. Maintenance phase: once the optimal dose has been reached, it is maintained by administering it at regular intervals, to build up tolerance over time.
Induction phase
During this stage, sublingual drops are administered every day, with the dose gradually increasing over time.
In some treatments this initial period is not necessary, as it can start immediately with the maintenance dose.
Maintenance phase
Usually, it continues to be administered on a daily basis, although some formulations allow shots to be spread out, e.g. every other day or five days a week.
As it is well tolerated and safe, sublingual immunotherapy can be started with stable doses in certain cases, and most importantly: it can be administered at home, under medical supervision.
Induction phase
During this stage, injections are usually given once a week, although the frequency may vary depending on the type of treatment. In some cases, to reach the maintenance dose more quickly, several doses can be administered in the same day or concentrated over a few days.
Maintenance phase
Once the appropriate dose is reached, it is administered on a regular basis, usually once a month. In patients allergic to pollen, it is common to temporarily interrupt treatment during the months when they are not exposed and resume it the following year, at the end of the pollination season.
+100
years of proven safety and efficacy of immunotherapy
+80%
of patients who complete immunotherapy significantly reduce their symptoms
10%
years during which the benefits can continue after completing immunotherapy
Useful information for patients
Possible reactions:
Mild swelling or redness around the injection site is common. Less frequently, generalised or systemic reactions may occur.
Where is it administered?
This treatment should always be administered in a health centre and never at home.
Storage of the treatment:
The extract should be kept in a refrigerator. It should not be frozen, as this renders the contents unusable and a replacement dose will have to be requested.
When to delay the next dose:
Administration should be delayed if the patient has an asthma attack, fever or respiratory infection with flu-like symptoms (discomfort, chills, muscle or joint pain), or diseases such as hepatitis, mononucleosis, active tuberculosis or other similar infections.
Interactions with other medicinal products:
If you have been prescribed another treatment for a different condition, inform the specialist.
Post-injection recommendations:
It is advisable to avoid physical exercise for the next two hours.
Immunotherapy is the only treatment capable of altering the natural course of the disease, significantly improving the quality of life of allergic patients.
Other treatments
The right treatment depends on the type of allergy and the severity of the symptoms.
Here are the most common treatments to relieve the discomfort caused by allergies:
Antihistamines
These drugs block the action of histamine, a substance released by the body during allergic reactions. They help to relieve symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion.
Decongestants
These help to reduce swelling in the nasal passages and relieve congestion. They are especially useful for allergic rhinitis.
Nasal corticosteroids
These are used to reduce inflammation in the airways and they are very effective in treating allergic rhinitis. They are applied directly to the nose in the form of a spray.
Immunotherapy
This treatment consists of administering small, gradually increasing doses of the allergen so that the immune system gets used to it, reducing the severity of allergic reactions in the long term. It is administered in injections.
Antileukotrienes
These are medicines that block substances that cause inflammation in the airways. They are mainly used to treat allergic asthma.
Skin creams
For allergies that affect the skin, such as hives or eczema, topical corticosteroids or antihistamine creams can relieve itching and inflammation.
Our professionals are here to answer any questions you have about treatments. Contact us with no obligation!
