Are there any side effects to be expected?
Hyposensitization, which is the administration of allergens in the form of injections, can cause a local allergic reaction at the injection site. This becomes noticeable by itching, reddening of the skin and swelling. The local symptoms usually subside after a few days.
To counteract a local skin reaction, the injection site can be cooled after administration of the allergens or an alternating injection can be made into the right or left arm. In rare cases, the administration of allergens can also lead to a general allergic reaction. This can manifest itself in the form of asthma or hives, which is the formation of small red pustules on the skin.
Another serious side effect is allergic shock, also called anaphylactic shock by medical professionals. It is an allergic reaction of the body, which is very rare but acutely life-threatening. In order to make sure that no serious allergic reactions occur, patients are usually monitored by medical staff or the doctor for some time after the injection of allergens. Allergic reactions can also occur when allergens are administered in drop form. For this reason, the first intake should also be made in the presence of a physician
What is the success rate of hyposensitization?
The success of a specific immunotherapy or hyposensitization depends on various factors. These include the duration of the disease, the type of allergy, the method of allergen administration, the age of the patient and sometimes one of the most important influencing factors – the cooperation of the person affected or the allergy sufferer. With continuously accomplished specific immune therapy a clear symptom reduction could be shown in studies with many age groups in case of an allergic rhinitis, pollen allergy, house dust mite allergy or also wasp and/or bee allergy. With other allergy forms, sometimes also the allergic asthma, the study situations are partly ambiguous and statements to the chances of success are therefore only hardly or only limited possible.
