[Click! Health] 'Annoying' Allergies... How About Eradicating Them with Immunotherapy?

[Image source=Pixabay]

The transitional season when warm spring arrives can signal the recurrence of persistent ailments for some people. Respiratory allergy patients, whose bronchial tubes or nasal mucosa become sensitive due to large temperature differences, and skin allergy patients, whose skin becomes sensitive due to fine dust and pollen, are typical examples. For allergy treatment, environmental therapy to avoid surrounding triggers or medication to alleviate symptoms are available, but Professor Seo-Young Lee of the Allergy Department at Seoul National University Hospital emphasized, "Identifying the fundamental cause of allergic diseases and preventing recurrence through 'immunotherapy' is of utmost importance."

Allergic diseases are conditions caused by allergies and vary depending on the type and the tissue that triggers the reaction. Major diseases include bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, urticaria, atopic dermatitis, and food or drug allergies.

While avoidance therapy and medication are treatment methods for allergies, Professor Lee explained, "The only way to eradicate allergies is immunotherapy." Immunotherapy is a treatment method that induces immune tolerance by regularly administering gradually increasing doses of very low concentrations of allergens that do not cause side effects, so the immune system no longer reacts to the causative substances. Unless one is very old or pregnant, immunotherapy is possible for anyone.

However, since there are diseases and antigens for which allergy immunotherapy is applicable, it is necessary to consult a specialist in advance and undergo testing to determine treatment feasibility. Skin reaction tests or blood tests are performed during the examination. If the antigen showing a positive reaction matches the patient's allergy symptoms, immunotherapy is decided and carried out. Professor Lee explained, "Allergy immunotherapy is known to be most effective in treating allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis," adding, "It can also have some therapeutic effects on asthma and intractable atopic dermatitis." Regarding antigens, immunotherapy is possible if sensitization has occurred to specific antigens such as house dust mites, cat or dog fur, and pollen.

[Image courtesy of Seoul National University Hospital]

Immunotherapy is divided into subcutaneous immunotherapy, which involves injections into the skin, and sublingual immunotherapy, which involves placing the causative substance under the tongue. Both methods require continuous treatment for about 3 to 5 years. Subcutaneous immunotherapy involves medical staff injecting the allergenic substances; during the initial three months, injections are given once a week, and thereafter once a month. Sublingual immunotherapy can be self-administered under a specialist's prescription. Since the allergenic extract is regularly taken on the mucosa under the tongue, patients can perform this treatment at home. However, sublingual immunotherapy is only performed for house dust mites.

Side effects may occur during immunotherapy. Subcutaneous immunotherapy may cause itching, stinging, and swelling at the injection site that can last for several days, and sublingual immunotherapy may cause localized swelling under the tongue or lips and itching around the mouth. Professor Lee explained, "However, these are normal reactions that occur while taking allergy medication," and "there is no need to worry excessively."

Immunotherapy is a treatment whose effectiveness has been well proven to the extent that it can be called the only treatment that eradicates allergic diseases. However, receiving immunotherapy does not guarantee a complete cure. This is because the correlation between allergens and individual symptoms cannot be quantified 100% before treatment. For example, even if a skin reaction test shows a strong response to house dust mites, symptoms may worsen due to other factors such as temperature differences or fine dust. Therefore, treatment may be discontinued before completing the 3 to 5 years if the therapeutic effect diminishes after starting treatment. Conversely, if the treatment effect is very good, the therapy is completed over 5 years, and in such cases, the therapeutic effect can last for up to about 10 years after the end of immunotherapy.

Professor Lee Seoyoung, Department of Allergy, Seoul National University Hospital
[Photo by Seoul National University Hospital]

Professor Seo-Young Lee stated, "Immunotherapy does not resolve allergic inflammation itself, so if you currently have symptoms, you must receive medication treatment," and added, "Immunotherapy is a relapse prevention treatment that can prevent allergic reactions when exposed to specific antigens in the future, making it a very effective treatment method. If you have allergic diseases, please visit a hospital to accurately assess your condition and find an appropriate treatment method through thorough consultation with medical staff."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.