Allergen Immunotherapy

Do we finally have a cure for Allergic Rhinitis?
We have been struggling to find a cure for Allergies since a long time.
Allergic Rhinitis is a fairly debilitating illness and causes frequent absences from work on account of constant sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose etc.
Traditionally Allergic Rhinitis was treated with oral medication and nasal sprays. This was more in the nature of symptom relief- there being no actual cure for the illness.
We now have a ray of hope for many of our sufferers from Allergic Rhinitis and the extension of that - Nasobronchial Allergy (where the lungs are also affected).
ALLERGEN IMMUNOTHERAPY
In allergen immunotherapy we attempt to finally Treat the patient and try to rid them of this problem once and for all.
How does it work?
This is how it works-
- Blood tests - we estimate the patient's IgE counts which are the body's indicator of Allergies. If found elevated we move to the next step -
- Skin prick Test - standard allergen extracts are used and tested on the skin- to look for a reaction which is in the nature of a red bleb/ swelling. Various allergens are used - House dust mite, pollens, fungus, insects, food items etc. We read the results and identify the allergens that cause the most reaction. This is then communicated to the patient and we discuss the final stage of the treatment -
- Allergen Immunotherapy - a solution is made from the extracts of all the diagnosed allergens and this is then given to the patient as an oral medication by a technique called
- SLIT - sublingual Immunotherapy. The patient has to take a drop of this extract every morning for a period of 2-3 years - depending upon the response. the treatment is carried out in stages with the first loading dose and then subsequent doses over a period of time.
HOW DOES SLIT WORK?
The idea behind Allergen Immunotherapy is to introduce a sub optimal dose of known allergens and create a tolerance in the body so that the body does not launch an immune attack against the known allergen.
There is a down-regulation of the allergen response.
Over a period of time the body's immune system becomes tolerant of the allergen.
NEED TO KNOW
- The treatment works best if you are allergic to a single allergen (monotherapy).
- It is most effective against dust mite, grass pollen, animal dander.
- The therapy takes along time before it shows effects
FAQs
1. Is there an alternative to SLIT (Sublingual Immunotherapy) ?
Yes- initially this therapy has been offered as SCIT - Subcutaneous Immunotherapy. In SCIT the extract is injected below the skin for a prolonged period of time. This is still in use. However, because of the inconvenience of injecting oneself every day, SLIT is gaining popularity. It is also known that SCIT is amore effective form of desensitization.
2. Are there any side effects?
As with nay treatment there would be side effects - the most notable being an anaphylactic reaction to the allergen extract. Though the dose used is suboptimal for causing such a reaction, and though the chances of an anaphylactic reaction are much higher with SCIT, there have been reported cases. No fatality has been reported as per latest information available.
3. WHAT ARE THE UNCERTAINTIES IN SLIT TREATMENT?
- Precise dosage of the allergen,
- Treatment schedules,
- Duration of treatment.
4. How effective is this treatment?
There are three types of responders
- Very effective- patient states that symptoms have settled down and anti allergy medication is rarely required
- Partially effective - many patients will state that though the symptoms and sick days are less and dependence on anti allergic medication is reduced there are still days when symptoms appear.
- Non responders - some patients will get no relief at all.
5. Is it a once in a lifetime treatment?
For some it may be. Others may require treatment from time to time in the future - this is specially relevant if they develop new allergies in the future.
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Disclaimer: The contents of this video, including any information, products, or services offered, are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen or heard in this video. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.
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[@raghukhatiwada8965]

Doctor i have post nasal drip problem please help me main nepal se hu

[@Deepamanideka-uh5ux]

Main antihistamine le rahi ho par thik nahi hua hain sir ..nasal spray lagaya par jalan hoti hain nak main

[@shuklavishwas9849]

Sir mujhe koi bhi medicines suit nahi karti. Dawai khane se bahut jyada thakan hoti hai. Fruits masale louki kaddu karela chukandar soyabeen khane se bhi bahut jyada thakan hoti hai. Is problem ka koi ilaj hai.

[@ShivamMishra-vq8xr]

Great explanation sir.👏👏

[@ENTDelhi]

Thanks & Regards Dr Bhardwaj

[@ShivamMishra-vq8xr]

@@ENTDelhi it's my honor sir

[@zzz...4044]

Sir i have urticaria,hives can it ve cured by this treatment

[@ENTDelhi]

skin specialist dealing in allergies will be a better person to contact

[@bhanupratapdongardiye8442]

Treatment me Cost kitana hai

[@deeptidevan3889]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@ENTDelhi]

Thanks & Regards Dr Bhardwaj

[@yashsadlapur5740]

Is SLIT available in INDIA?

[@ENTDelhi]

yes for more info call this number - 98100147147

[@mahumahsan3511]

M pragnant m from Pakistan and mri allergies ni ja rhi hain

[@tabrezkhan8931]

Aap ko kis chij se allergies hai

[@subhashrawatrawat9305]

Cost batao sir

[@ENTDelhi]

For this information kindly call at 9871150032