Allergy

Inhalant allergies occur when one’s immune system reacts to airborne substances. Common inhalant allergens include pollen, dust mites, mold and animal dander (e.g. from cats, dogs, horses and rabbits). These allergens can trigger symptoms such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes and coughing. In some cases, inhalant allergies can exacerbate conditions such as asthma and lead to more severe respiratory issues. 

Symptoms of Inhalant Allergies:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Sinus congestion

Immunotherapy, also known as allergy desensitisation, is a long-term treatment aimed at reducing the severity of allergic reactions by gradually exposing the immune system to increasing amounts of the allergen. There are two main forms of immunotherapy for inhalant allergies: subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). 

Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT)
SCIT, commonly known as allergy shots, involves injecting small amounts of the allergen into the skin. The treatment is usually administered in two phases: 

1. Escalation Phase: In this initial phase, the patient receives injections of the allergen at increasing doses over a period of weeks to months.
2. Maintenance Phase: Once the effective dose is reached, the patient continues to receive regular injections, typically every few weeks, for several years. 
    

Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)
In SLIT, an allergen-containing tablet or liquid is placed under the tongue and absorbed into the body. It can be self-administered at home after the initial dose is given under medical supervision. SLIT is particularly useful for treating allergies to pollen, dust mites and animal dander from cats, dogs, horses, rabbits, etc.