Immunotherapy for allergies is a long-term treatment that involves exposing the body to small, increasing doses of an allergen to desensitize the immune system and reduce allergic reactions. This is also called allergen immunotherapy or desensitization and can be administered through allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) or under the tongue (sublingual immunotherapy). It is effective for conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis, and insect sting allergies and can lead to long-lasting relief of symptoms, often for years after treatment has stopped.

A skin prick allergy test is a diagnostic procedure that checks for immediate allergic reactions to substances like pollen, pet dander, mold, and food. Small amounts of allergens are placed on the skin and a light scratch or prick is made using a sterile lancet under strict aseptic precautions. A red, raised bump (wheal) will appear if you are allergic, and the test results are usually available within 15 – 20 minutes.

A total of 85 allergens are available in the test kit, and the allergens to be tested are selected based on patient history. Following the test result, , the antigens to be given as immunotherapy are decided based on the extent of immune response to these antigens. Among the positive allergens, maximum of 3-5 allergens would be chosen for immunotherapy by the treating consultant.

Kit for Allergy testing

The route of administration followed here would be sublingual, in view of its better safety profile. A duration of up to 2–3 years would be required for an adequate response.

Dr. Irania Ravanan
MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), Diploma (Allergy and Asthma) DAA(CMC Vellore), ex.Consultant M.V .DIABETIC Hospital,Chennai.
Consultant – Internal Medicine, Diabetologist & Physician