Cough, runny nostril, watery eyes, itching, exhaustion, respiratory issues: pollen allergy symptoms are fairly troublesome for these affected. There are allergy drugs. However, solely allergen immunotherapy, also called hyposensitization, addresses the reason for hay fever.
How precisely does allergen immunotherapy work?
To perceive the way it works, you first must know the way allergic reactions happen in our physique.
“In allergy patients, the immune system is misdirected. It is therefore directed against actually harmless environmental components such as pollen from trees or grasses or house dust mite excrement,” says allergist Prof. Oliver Pfaar. He is senior doctor and head of the rhinology and allergology part on the University Hospital in Marburg.
The immune system sees a hazard the place there may be none. “In hay fever patients, this leads to sneezing, a runny nose and coughing. After all, the body wants to protect itself from this supposed pathogen,” explains Pfaar.
However, with focused remedy, the immune system will be re-educated. “So far, hyposensitization has been the only treatment method that can address the cause,” says Anja Schwalfenberg. She is a graduate biologist and works in affected person counseling for the German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB).
“The therapy is particularly important for long-lasting symptoms,” she says. The affected person usually receives therapeutic preparations, which ought to permit the immune system to get used to the set off of the allergy.
How are the preparations administered?
This is often carried out with a syringe. In drugs, there may be then discuss of subcutaneous remedy. “The so-called maintenance dose is administered about every four weeks and injected under the skin on the upper arm. This is done in the doctor’s practice, followed by an observation period of at least 30 minutes,” says Anja Schwalfenberg.
There can be the so-called sublingual strategy: The allergen is positioned beneath the tongue by the affected person himself within the type of tablets or drops – every day.
“With one of them you have to go to the doctor every four to six weeks, with the other the patient has to do it himself regularly and think about it. Then there is no one who can control it,” says Oliver Pfaar.
However, it’s essential for profitable remedy that sufferers keep it up. “Success can only be achieved if the therapy is carried out regularly and not terminated prematurely,” confirms Anja Schwalfenberg.
How lengthy does hyposensitization final?
It doesn’t work with out endurance. “Normally, hyposensitization is carried out over three years,” says Anja Schwalfenberg.
This can be effectively documented with research outcomes, provides Pfaar. According to his statement, sufferers profit from the therapy within the first yr. “Sometimes they even feel significantly better than if they only took medication in the first year, which of course they can continue to do.”
Pfaar is referring to allergy medicine. “Sprays and tablets only work against the current symptoms, but cannot act against the underlying immunologically triggered disease.” Because the signs enhance within the first yr of therapy, these affected typically want much less medicine.
Where do I’m going if I feel allergen immunotherapy would make sense for me?
A physician can assess whether or not allergen immunotherapy is an possibility for a affected person. “Doctors should either have additional training in allergology or have sufficient experience with this therapy,” says Anja Schwalfenberg.
For particular complaints, it helps to show to specialists: “In the case of hay fever, ENT doctors can help, in the case of existing allergic asthma, lung specialists can help,” says Schwalfenberg. Oliver Pfaar factors out that basic practitioners, dermatologists or pediatricians typically have a corresponding focus.
Do I’ve to anticipate unwanted side effects?
Hardly. “As a rule, and in the hands of experienced colleagues, allergen immunotherapy is very safe. This applies to both the subcutaneous and the sublingual route,” says Oliver Pfaar.
There are sometimes slight native reactions akin to swelling across the puncture website or itching of the oral mucosa. But they solely seem for a short while.
When do I begin?
The pollen-poor time in autumn and winter is an efficient time to start out pollen immunotherapy. “In the case of year-round allergens, i.e. an existing allergy to house dust mites or mold spores, for example, there is not necessarily a specification as to when you should start,” says Oliver Pfaar.
A call that’s finally made by the allergist. He or she carries out diagnostics and might assess how a lot these affected can profit from the allergen immunotherapy. And which type of remedy is the perfect.
“And preferably as early as possible,” says Schwalfenberg. But even within the later course of an allergy, alleviation of the signs will be achieved with hyposensitization.
Who bears the prices?
“In Germany, this therapy is covered by health insurance companies. It’s different in other European countries,” says Oliver Pfaar.
Of course, that is an immense funding in sufferers, says Anja Schwalfenberg. “Therefore, adherence to therapy is very important so that the costs are worthwhile and the therapy can be successful.”
