“Allergy desensitization: Stimulation of the immune system with gradually increasing doses of the substances to which a person is allergic in order to modify or stop the allergic response.”
Definition from medicinenet.com
Relief Is Available For Allergy Sufferers
About 20% of all people suffer from allergies. Many people aren’t aware that allergies can be reduced or even eliminated through allergy desensitization treatment. Whether you suffer from annoying and uncomfortable allergy symptoms, or fear for a child or other loved one with a severe allergy, it may be possible to provide relief in only a few treatments.
An allergy means that your immune system overreacts to otherwise harmless substances. Symptoms range from mild sniffling and sneezing to life-threatening anaphylactic shock. Common symptoms of allergies include:
- sneezing
- runny nose
- sniffling and nasal congestion
- watery, itchy eyes
- abdominal bloating and discomfort
- headache
- diarrhoea
Many people use over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs, allergy shots, or huddle indoors with air filters hoping to reduce the symptoms. Before you resort to using medication to reduce your allergy symptoms, you can make an appointment at our Hong Kong Integrative Clinic to see whether allergy desensitization could work for you. Allergy Desensitization Treatment is much more appealing than a lifetime of medication and discomfort, so find out whether your allergy can be desensitized.
First, We Identify The Exact Allergen
The first step is to identify the offending allergen through a blood test or a simple scratch test. Results can be analysed in as little as fifteen minutes. Hidden allergies can be the key to many long-term issues. Some common allergies that may be treatable are allergies to:
- pollen
- animal dander (cat allergies, dog allergies, other)
- mites
- stinging insects (bee allergies, wasp allergies, hornet allergies, yellow jacket allergies, fire ant allergies)
- molds
- tree nuts
- peanuts
- milk
- shellfish such as shrimp
- eggs
- latex
- medication
Not Everyone Can Benefit From Allergy Desensitization
Treatments to reduce allergies are not suitable for everyone. In general, the very young and very old, as well as some pregnant women may not be appropriate patients. If you suffer from heart disease, severe asthma, auto-immune disease, malignancy, or are receiving certain medications, you will not be able to be treated in this way. Dr. Jamieson will advise you of your options for treatment when your allergy testing and diagnosis takes place.
What Is The Treatment For Reducing Allergic Reactions?
Allergy Desensitization & Immunotherapy is sometimes called “Allergy Vaccination”, but while many clinics use injections, we use a method with fewer side effects. Sublingual desensitization immunotherapy (SLIT) involves natural immunotherapy drops, placed under the tongue during your office visit. This technique is faster and painless as compared to allergy injections. Up to three different allergens can be treated in one visit. Children usually require 1-2 visits, and adults 2-3 visits per allergen.
Learn more about Allergy Desensitization and read our Frequently Asked Questions here.