Hayfever Desensitisation
Hayfever, medically referred to as allergic rhinitis, can significantly impact children’s quality of life. The symptoms of hayfever are caused by an allergic response to environmental allergens, such as pollen, and can lead to a range of uncomfortable allergic reactions.
When children with hay fever or other environmental allergens do not respond well to the usual treatment of antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays and eye drops, hayfever desensitisation, also known as hayfever immunotherapy, can help.
What Is Hay Fever Allergen Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy for hayfever is a “disease modifying” treatment designed to address the underlying cause of allergic reactions. It involves administering doses of an allergen extract (e.g. pollen) to alter the body’s immune response to allergens.
Instead of merely managing symptoms with medicines, immunotherapy works by exposing the immune system to gradually increasing doses of a specific allergen. This controlled exposure helps alter the immune response over time, reducing the severity of allergic symptoms and preventing future reactions.
How Sublingual Immunotherapy Reduces Allergies and Prevents Asthma
In our clinic we offer sublingual immunotherapy for a wide range of environmental allergens, including grass and tree pollens, house dust mite, animal danders and moulds.
Either drops or a small dissolvable tablet are administered under the tongue daily. This treatment is very safe and reduces the child’s allergic responses to the inhalant allergen and may even prevent the development of new environmental allergies and asthma.
This treatment is started with us in the clinic but then is continued at home, and we provide a package of care to patients undergoing this treatment.
Diagnosis and Allergy Tests
Before starting immunotherapy, it is crucial to identify the specific allergens causing a child’s symptoms. At our clinic, we offer a comprehensive package of allergy tests, including skin prick tests and blood tests. Allergy diagnosis pinpoints the allergens responsible for triggering an immune response, enabling us to tailor treatment plans to each child’s needs.
The Benefits of Allergen Immunotherapy
The benefits of allergen immunotherapy go beyond immediate symptom relief. Key advantages include:
- Reduced Allergic Symptoms: By targeting the root cause of allergic reactions, immunotherapy can significantly decrease nasal congestion, sneezing, and other hayfever symptoms.
- Prevention of New Allergies: Immunotherapy for hayfever may prevent children from developing additional environmental allergies or related conditions, such as asthma or eczema.
- Improved Quality of Life: With fewer allergic symptoms, children can enjoy outdoor activities and focus on school and hobbies without the constant discomfort of hayfever.
- Long-Term Effectiveness: Unlike medicines that need to be taken continuously, immunotherapy provides lasting relief even after treatment ends.
Safety and Side Effects
Immunotherapy is a highly safe treatment when administered under the guidance of qualified allergy specialists. Side effects, if they occur, are generally mild and temporary.
These may include slight itching or tingling under the tongue with sublingual immunotherapy or minor redness and swelling at the injection site for subcutaneous immunotherapy.
Rarely, systemic reactions can occur, which is why it is important to start treatment in a clinical setting where appropriate care can be provided.
Hayfever Symptoms in Children
Children with hayfever may experience:
- Nasal Congestion: Blocked or runny nose, often with sneezing.
- Itchy Eyes, Nose, and Throat: Irritation due to allergens.
- Watery Eyes: Increased tear production from pollen exposure.
- Sneezing: Frequent, uncontrollable spells.
- Coughing: Caused by postnasal drip.
- Wheezing or Shortness of Breath: Sometimes worsens asthma symptoms.
Symptoms are often worse during high pollen seasons or exposure to indoor allergens like dust mites, moulds, or pet dander. Untreated hayfever can lead to sleep disturbances, poor concentration, and a higher risk of asthma or eczema.
Additional Advice for Managing Hayfever
In addition to immunotherapy, parents can take steps to minimise their child’s exposure to allergens and manage allergic symptoms effectively:
- Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons.
- Use air purifiers to reduce indoor allergens like dust mites and moulds.
- Encourage children to wear wrap-around sunglasses outdoors to protect their eyes from pollen.
- Ensure regular cleaning of bedding and soft furnishings to reduce allergen buildup.
- Use of non sedating antihistamines or other allergy treatments with a specialist for additional relief.
Why Choose Children’s Allergy Doctors?
At Children’s Allergy Doctors, we are dedicated to providing personalised care for children with hayfever and other allergic conditions.
Our team of experienced allergy specialists offers a comprehensive range of treatments, from diagnostic allergy tests to advanced immunotherapy options.
With our expert guidance, children can find relief from allergic rhinitis, eczema, food allergies, and more.
For further information or advice on Immunotherapy for Hayfever or to book an appointment, please contact us today.
What parents say:
“Fantastic. We are pleased with the treatment and the outcomes, and advice and information given.”