Allergies; from hay fever and asthma to food allergies, they can really disrupt daily life. Sleep, school, work, and overall well-being are all affected by uncontrolled allergies. Whilst antihistamines, nasal sprays, and avoidance measures help with symptoms, they do not address the root cause. That is where immunotherapy comes in: it trains your immune system to tolerate allergens over time, offering lasting benefits.

What is Immunotherapy?

Allergen immunotherapy involves taking the substance you are allergic to in gradually increasing doses, so that your immune system becomes less sensitive to it. This process can allow someone to become tolerant of an allergen and stop reacting even when exposed. It is the only treatment proven to modify the underlying allergy rather than just control the symptoms.

Examples:

• For hay fever and asthma; immunotherapy is available for grass, tree, and weed pollens, house dust mite, some moulds, and certain pets.
• For severe insect sting allergy (bee or wasp), injection immunotherapy can be life-saving
• Oral immunotherapy is available in certain centres for desensitization to various food allergens.

Types of Immunotherapy

• Injection Immunotherapy (SCIT): Administered by a needle under the skin. After a build up phase of weekly injections, you reach a maintenance dose usually every 4 to 8 weeks. It typically takes at least 3 years of consistent treatment for full benefit. Side effects can occur, so injections are done in clinics where patients can be observed.
• Oral / Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): In oral immunotherapy for food allergy, doses of the allergen are ingested.  The starting point is a tiny amount, and this is built up over a period of months, until an age-appropriate is achieved.  This is then maintained daily for a prolonged period. In sublingual immunotherapy doses are placed under the tongue daily, usually for 2 to 3 years. Side effects are generally mild. The first dose is given in the doctor’s office, with the rest taken at home.

What the Latest Research Shows

Recent studies provide strong evidence for immunotherapy across allergies:

• Hay Fever and Allergic Eyes (Respiratory Allergies):
  SLIT significantly reduces sneezing, congestion and itchy eyes, improving quality of life.
• Asthma in Children:
  Allergen-specific immunotherapy can reduce symptoms, decrease the need for daily medications and lower the risk of more severe asthma.
• Food Allergies:
  Oral immunotherapy can help children and adults build tolerance to foods like milk, peanuts or eggs, improving safety and quality of life under medical supervision.

Who Benefits Most?

Immunotherapy works best for people allergic to one major allergen rather than many and whose symptoms are clearly triggered by that allergen. It is especially effective for house dust mite and pollen allergies. People with multiple allergies or uncontrolled asthma should be evaluated carefully before starting. Confirmed allergen testing is required before starting and continued avoidance and standard treatment are recommended unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What Patients Can Do to Advocate

Immunotherapy is not available everywhere and coverage can be limited. Patients can take action:

1. Educate Yourself and Others: Understand SLIT, SCIT, or OIT benefits and limitations. Share reliable information with family and support groups.
2. Talk to Your Healthcare Provider: Ask about immunotherapy options appropriate for your allergy type and health status.
3. Engage with Medical Aids and Policy Makers: Request coverage for evidence-based treatments and reference studies showing long-term benefits.
4. Work with Patient Groups: Join or start support groups to raise awareness and advocate collectively.
5. Provide Feedback to Clinics and Suppliers: Share experiences to improve patient-centered care.

Takeaway

Immunotherapy is more than symptom relief; it is an investment in long term allergy control and improved quality of life. Patients who learn, speak up and advocate can help expand access and ensure more people benefit from these proven treatments.

References

• Di Bona D et al., Frontiers in Immunology, 2025 – SLIT for hay fever and allergic eyes.
• Wu K et al., BMC Pulmonary Medicine, 2025 – AIT in children with asthma.
• Wang Y et al., Frontiers in Immunology, 2025 – OIT in children with food allergy.
• Allergy Foundation South Africa: Immunotherapy