Allergen Immunotherapy

Exposure to increasing amounts of allergens to change the immune response, for environmental allergies and asthma.

Allergen immunotherapy, also known as desensitization or hypo-sensitization, is a medical treatment for environmental allergies (such as insect bites) and asthma. Immunotherapy involves exposing people to increasing amounts of allergens in an attempt to change the immune system response. It was discovered by Leonard Noon and John Freeman in 1911.

Shots are given by a professional over 3 to 5 years; sublingual doses go under the tongue with less strong evidence.

Subcutaneous immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is the historical route of administration and consists of injections of allergen extract, which must be performed by a medical professional. Protocols generally involve weekly injections during a build-up phase, followed by a monthly maintenance phase of injections for a period of 3 to 5 years. In sublingual immunotherapy the allergen is given under the tongue and people often prefer it to injections. The evidence supports sublingual immunotherapy against rhinitis and asthma, but it is less strong. This record describes what the sources state and is not medical advice.