Immunotherapy:

This treatment involves giving small, increasing amounts of the allergen to build your immune system's tolerance to the allergan overtime (2). Many patients find it highly effective, reducing or eliminating their need for medications or other treatments. It is not considered a cure but will provide long-term relief for patients after completing therapy.

Allergy immunotherapy varies among individuals but studies generally report a significant reduction in allergy symptoms and medication use in 60-80% of patients undergoing this treatment. 

Immunotherapy is particularly beneficial for airborne allergies such as pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, as well as mould, dust mites, and pet dander. Additionally, immunotherapy can be used to treat stinging insect allergies like those from bees and wasps. However, it's less effective for food allergies, for which other management strategies are usually recommended. Dr Jason only provides immunotherapy for aeroallergens at this stage. 

Patients with moderate to severe allergy symptoms such as sneezing, fatigue, brain fog, blocked or runny nose, loss of smell, itchy eyes, wheezing, and itchy skin rashes affecting their day-to-day life would strongly benefit from immunotherapy (3). Immunotherapy can also be beneficial to those who are unable to tolerate the side effects of medications or don’t want to rely on medications their whole life. 

Allergy Shots or Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT) - Initially, injections are given at weekly intervals before reaching a maintenance dose, which is given monthly.  A tiny needle is used, which feels like a pinch, so most children over 8 can tolerate the injection. 

Under-the-Tongue Treatments or Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) - Tablets or drops are administered daily under the tongue. There is less risk of severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, and the convenience of home administration is an added benefit (4).

You will notice an improvement in your allergy symptoms anywhere from 3-12 months after commencing immunotherapy. Everyone’s immune system behaves differently, so responses will differ between individuals.

The cost of allergy immunotherapy can vary widely based on several factors, including the type of immunotherapy (subcutaneous injections or sublingual tablets/drops), the duration of the treatment, and whether the costs are covered by health insurance.

A rough estimate of costs per year of treatment:
Oral Tablet SLIT (Non-customisable allergens) - $1200
Oral Drop SLIT (Customisable allergens) - $1400
SCIT (Customisable allergens) - $900

Absolutely, children can undergo allergy immunotherapy, and it's often highly effective for them. I usually recommend it for children over the age of five however, as every child's case is unique, it's essential to discuss whether this is the best therapy for them. 

Yes, you should continue taking allergy medications during immunotherapy, especially in the initial stages of treatment. Immunotherapy aims to build your body's tolerance to allergens gradually, so it can take some time before you experience a significant reduction in symptoms.

As your body adapts and your response to allergens decreases through ongoing immunotherapy, there might be potential to reduce or even stop some medications. This decision, however, should always be made in consultation with your doctor. They will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed, ensuring your symptoms are managed safely and effectively.

Dr. Jason Yu's clinic near Waterloo and Bella Vista specialises in custom aeroallergen allergy immunotherapy. If you're struggling with allergies and conventional treatments haven’t been effective, immunotherapy could be a life-changing option. Book an appointment for a personalised immunotherapy plan.

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1. Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT) FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions). [Online] ASCIA, 06 2023. [Cited: 12 2023, 23.] https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-treatments/allergen-immunotherapy-faqs.

2. Allergen Immunotherapy. [Online] ASCIA, March 2019. [Cited: December 23, 2023.] https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-treatments/immunotherapy.

3. Allergen immunotherapy for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis: a systematic overview of systematic reviews. Ulugbek Nurmatov, Sangeeta Dhami, Stefania Arasi, Graham Roberts, Oliver Pfaar, Antonella Muraro, Ignacio J. Ansotegui, Moises Calderon, Cemal Cingi, Stephen Durham, Roy Gerth van Wijk, Susanne Halken, Eckard Hamelmann, Peter Hellings, Lars Jacobsen, Edwa. 1, s.l. : Clinical Translational Allergy, 2017, Clinical and Translational Allergy, Vol. 7.

4. Systematic reviews of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). S. Radulovic, D. Wilson, M. Calderon, S. Durham. 6, s.l. : Allergy, 2011, Allergy, Vol. 66, pp. 740-752.