Allergy Immunotherapy (Desensitisation)
Allergen immunotherapy is a long-term treatment that aims to reduce sensitivity to specific environmental allergens. Unlike medications that temporarily control symptoms, immunotherapy works by gradually modifying the immune system's response over time. It is most commonly used for patients with significant symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or asthma triggered by environmental allergens such as grass pollen and house dust mite, animal dander, and in selected cases other inhalant allergens.
How allergen immunotherapy works
Allergen immunotherapy involves administering gradually increasing doses of the relevant allergen extract over time to induce immune tolerance. This can lead to a reduction in symptom severity, decreased medication requirements, and improved quality of life for appropriately selected patients. Treatment courses are typically long-term, often continuing for three to five years, with benefits that may persist after completion.
Subcutaneous immunotherapy (injections)
Subcutaneous immunotherapy involves regular injections of allergen extract administered under medical supervision, followed by a maintenance phase at longer intervals. This approach is widely used for grass pollen and dust mite allergy, and is highly effective in appropriately selected patients. Patients are monitored closely during the build-up phase, and treatment is individualised based on allergen sensitisation, symptom severity and clinical history.
Sublingual immunotherapy (oral drops or tablets)
Sublingual immunotherapy involves placing allergen extract under the tongue in the form of drops or tablets. This is a convenient alternative to injections for selected allergens, particularly dust mite and grass pollen allergy, and may be suitable depending on clinical assessment. It can often be administered at home after initial specialist guidance, depending on the treatment protocol and patient suitability.
Who may benefit from immunotherapy
Allergen immunotherapy may be considered for patients with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis or allergic asthma where symptoms are persistent, poorly controlled with standard therapy, or where long-term reduction in medication use is desired. It is particularly useful for patients with confirmed sensitisation to environmental allergens such as grass pollen and dust mite, which are common triggers on the Sunshine Coast.
Specialist assessment
At Queensland Allergy & Immunology Clinic, suitability for immunotherapy is determined through a detailed specialist assessment, which may include allergy testing, clinical history review, and evaluation of symptom severity and triggers. A tailored treatment plan is then developed based on the patient's specific allergy profile and lifestyle considerations.
Queensland Allergy & Immunology Clinic is a specialist allergy and clinical immunology clinic based in Birtinya on the Sunshine Coast, providing expert care for patients across the wider Sunshine Coast region including Kawana, Caloundra, Buderim, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Sippy Downs, Coolum, Noosa, Brisbane North, and surrounding areas. We provide both in-person consultations in Birtinya and telehealth appointments across Queensland, with short wait times for specialist allergy and immunology care.