Spring and summer entice with sunshine and warm temperatures – but for allergy sufferers this time is often a torment. Because when birch, alder, hazel and Co let their pollen fly, the hay fever season begins – then the nose runs and the eyes burn. Around 30 percent of Germans suffer from hay fever, but only a few consult a doctor about their symptoms. Yet hyposensitization (desensitization) can alleviate hay fever symptoms or even make them disappear completely in most allergy sufferers.
Advantages of hyposensitization
Many allergy sufferers who suffer from hay fever combat their symptoms with medications during hay fever season. These so-called antihistamines block the action of histamine, thereby preventing an allergic reaction from occurring. However, the antihistamines only target the symptoms of the allergy, not its cause. Hyposensitization, on the other hand, also known as specific immunotherapy or allergy vaccination, addresses the causes of the allergy. An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system mistakenly reacts in a hostile manner to substances that are actually harmless. The antibodies formed by the immune system during the defensive reaction cause the typical symptoms. During hyposensitization, the allergy sufferer is repeatedly brought into contact with the substances to which he or she is allergic. In most cases, the substances are injected under the skin, but in the meantime they can also be taken orally via drops or tablets. The dose administered is initially small, but over time it is increased until the maintenance dose is reached. Through constant contact, the body becomes accustomed to the substance and the immune system no longer fights it off, or at least not as strongly. If a patient is allergic to several substances, individual mixtures of different allergens can be prepared by the doctor. Incidentally, the cost of hyposensitization is usually covered by health insurance.
Hyposensitization: not only possible for hay fever
Hyposensitization can treat hay fever as well as allergies triggered by dust mites, certain molds, insect venoms and animal dander. However, in the case of an allergy to animal hair, it is better to avoid contact with the animals. In addition, hyposensitization can also relieve the symptoms of allergic asthma. However, hyposensitization is not suitable for everyone. In severe asthma, cardiovascular or tumor diseases, a weakened immune system, problems with the kidneys, as well as during pregnancy, hyposensitization is usually not possible.
Subcutaneous immunotherapy
Those who decide to undergo hyposensitization should ask their doctor about the different forms of allergy vaccination. Among the most scientifically studied methods is long-term therapy. Here, the allergens are injected under the skin of the patient over a period of several years. This form of treatment is also called subcutaneous immunotherapy. Initially, the treatment takes place weekly, later one injection per month is sufficient. If seasonal hay fever is present, the start of treatment should be outside the hay fever season. The therapy can be used for allergies to pollen, insect venom, molds, animal dander and dust mites. For those who decide at short notice, treatment with injections is also possible shortly before the start of the pollen season. This short-term therapy lasts about four to seven weeks and is particularly suitable for allergies to pollen. However, the treatment should be completed before the beginning of the flowering phase. So far, the effectiveness of short-term therapy is still controversial. To achieve long-term results, it probably needs to be carried out for at least three consecutive years.
Sublingual immunotherapy
Those who are afraid of injections can also combat hay fever with oral therapy. In this, a distinction is made between sublingual immunotherapy, in which the allergens are ingested via drops, and tablet therapy. In sublingual immunotherapy, the patient takes drops daily or every two days over a period of at least three years and allows them to dissolve under the tongue.The drops should be kept in the mouth for at least two minutes. As in the case of treatment with injections, a low dose is started, which is then continuously increased. In order to exclude severe side effects such as allergic shock, the first intake of the drops takes place at the doctor’s office. Even after that, the course of the therapy must be checked by the doctor at regular intervals. A disadvantage of this form of hyposensitization is that there have been no long-term studies on the effectiveness of the therapy to date. In addition, the costs for sublingual immunotherapy are higher than for injection therapy. However, the advantage is that the treatment is painless and time-saving.
Hyposensitization by tablets
Similar to drop therapy, hyposensitization by tablets is taken by the physician for the first time. For long-term success, the tablets presumably have to be taken over a period of at least three years – long-term studies are still lacking here as well. So far, the method can only be used for allergies to grass pollen. However, tablets against other forms of allergy are also to be developed in the future. In the treatment of a grass pollen allergy, however, hyposensitization by tablets has a significantly higher success rate than taking drops. The start of allergy vaccination with tablets is now possible up to four weeks before the beginning of the flowering season.
Side effects of hyposensitization
Usually, hyposensitization is associated with only minor side effects. If the substance is injected under the skin, redness, swelling, and itching may occur at the injection site. Cooling the injection site can quickly alleviate the symptoms, but they usually subside on their own after a few hours. If tablets or drops are taken, swelling and itching in the mouth and throat may occur as a side effect. But here too, the symptoms usually subside after a short time. Since hyposensitization puts a strain on our immune system, we may also experience general fatigue on the day of treatment. Possible side effects of hyposensitization can be intensified by sports, alcohol or hot showers, so these should be avoided on the day of vaccination. Very rarely, allergic shock can also occur as a side effect of hyposensitization, which can have life-threatening consequences. For this reason, the patient is still observed in the office for half an hour during the injection therapy. If side effects occur during this time, be sure to inform your doctor. In the case of treatment with drops and tablets, the first dose is also taken in the presence of the doctor for safety reasons. Nevertheless, the patient should definitely be informed about how to behave if side effects occur.
Hyposensitization: high success rates
Studies show that patients who are allergic to pollen, dust mites, or insect venom in particular can benefit from hyposensitization. Treatment can usually permanently alleviate patients’ symptoms, and in some cases, symptoms may even disappear completely. Despite successful treatment, however, the sensitivity to the allergen remains, only the readiness of the immune system to react to the substance regresses. The success of hyposensitization also depends on the age of the patient and his or her symptoms. Someone who has been suffering from hay fever for a long time and is allergic to several substances will probably achieve less success than a new allergy sufferer with only a weakly pronounced allergy.
