How does immunotherapy work for allergies?

Immunotherapy, known in medical practice as allergen-specific immunotherapy or ASIT, is the only method of treating allergic diseases that affects the root cause of the condition rather than simply masking its unpleasant symptoms. The essence of the method lies in the regular and gradual administration of microdoses of the causal allergen to the patient's body over a long period.

The main goal of this technique is to literally retrain the human immune system by reducing its pathological sensitivity to the irritant. Over time, the body stops perceiving the harmless substance as a threat, allowing the patient to significantly reduce or completely stop taking symptomatic medications like antihistamines.

The entire course of treatment requires serious discipline and usually takes from three to five years of continuous therapy. Medications can be administered subcutaneously via injections or taken sublingually in the form of drops and tablets placed under the tongue at home as prescribed by a doctor.

ASIT shows the highest clinical effectiveness in the treatment of seasonal pollinosis to tree and weed pollen, house dust allergies, and venoms of stinging insects such as wasps and bees. The method helps prevent the transition of mild forms of allergies into severe systemic diseases, including bronchial asthma.

This treatment can be carried out exclusively under the strict supervision of a qualified allergist. The specialist performs preliminary diagnosis, selects an individual dosage, and monitors the body's reaction throughout the entire course, as there is a risk of side effects.