As a parent, dealing with allergies is tough, especially when they affect your kids. While adults may have an easier time dealing with the annoying and uncomfortable symptoms of allergies, kids may quickly become miserable. Finding treatments that actually work can be a nightmare in itself, especially since most only last between 24 and 72 hours.
That’s where allergy immunotherapy comes in. It offers a proactive approach to allergies, working to gradually build the immune system’s tolerance to a specific allergen through repeated exposure. With time and consistency, this can translate to long-term relief from allergies.
But is it a good fit for your kiddo? Here’s what you need to know.
What is Allergy Immunotherapy?
Allergy immunotherapy (AIT) is a specialized treatment that helps desensitize your kiddo’s body to a particular allergen, such as pollen, venom, or pet dander. The treatment helps teach your kiddo’s immune system to become less reactive to whatever allergen they’re allergic to.
It works by repeatedly exposing your child to the allergen via an injection (called subcutaneous allergy immunotherapy or allergy shots) or a tablet underneath the tongue (called sublingual immunotherapy or allergy drops). Over time, this repeated exposure helps your child’s immune system build an allergen-specific tolerance.
Once this happens, your child may find that they can be around the allergen with little to no allergic response. Of course, every child is different, so the results may look different from one child to the next. Most parents begin to notice improvements in their children within the first year, although it usually takes two to three years for the best results to appear.
Benefits of Immunotherapy for Kids and Families
If your kiddo suffers from allergies, you’re probably all too familiar with the not-so-great symptoms. Thankfully, immunotherapy can offer symptom relief and more. The core benefits of AIT include:
- Long-term relief: Immunotherapy isn’t a temporary solution. Instead, it can offer years of symptom relief. For some, AIT may cause symptoms to lessen significantly or even disappear after treatment.
- Less reliance on medications: Decongestants, antihistamines, and corticosteroids are all common treatments used to relieve the symptoms of allergies. However, since the effects are temporary, you’ll often need to repeatedly give your child the medication to preserve the effects. AIT can reduce this dependence, allowing your child to live more comfortably without constantly taking allergy medications.
- Better quality of life: Allergies can take a toll on your kiddo, affecting everything from school attendance to outdoor activities and sleep. Immunotherapy can help relieve those symptoms that interfere with their ability to focus, participate in sports, and rest comfortably, thus improving their overall quality of life.
- Potential prevention of new allergies: Surprisingly enough, immunotherapy can reduce the likelihood of developing new allergies over time, which is especially useful for children prone to multiple allergies.
What to Expect During Treatment
Initial Testing and Consultation
Before starting immunotherapy, your child will need to complete an allergy test. This test will identify specific allergens your child is sensitive to, giving your allergist the information they need to recommend a personalized treatment plan.
Time Commitment
Allergy immunotherapy isn’t a one-and-done treatment. Instead, it requires a long-term time commitment ranging anywhere from three to five years.
With subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy shots), you’ll usually need to visit your child’s allergist or doctor more frequently in the early months of treatment. Oftentimes, treatment involves weekly appointments for three to six months, gradually dropping back to monthly treatments after a few years.
With sublingual immunotherapy (allergy drops/tablets), you can administer each treatment at home. So, you won’t need to carve time out of your busy schedule for doctor’s appointments.
Side Effects and Safety
Allergy immunotherapy is generally considered safe. However, like any treatment, there are a few side effects that can occur. With allergy shots, the most common side effects include mild redness or swelling at the injection site. With allergy drops, common side effects may include itching under the tongue.
In rare cases, severe reactions can occur, so allergy shots are typically administered in a medical setting for added safety. Allergy drops present little risk of adverse side effects, so you don’t need a doctor’s supervision to give your child each dose.
Practical Tips for Busy Moms
- Debrief your kids on what to expect: Allergy immunotherapy can be scary for kiddos, especially if they don’t know what to expect. So, before the first appointment, explain the process in terms they can understand.
- Make it a fun experience: Do your best to make the experience positive by bringing their favorite toy or scheduling a small treat afterward. It doesn’t have to be something huge, but shedding a positive light on the experience can make a huge difference in their willingness to attend future appointments.
- Create a routine: Kids thrive on routine. So, if possible, schedule the appointment for the same time each week. Afterward, go out and grab your and your child’s favorite smoothie or visit your child’s favorite playground to make the process something to look forward to.
- Track symptoms and progress: Keep a log of symptoms to share with your child’s allergist during follow-up visits. While there are apps out there that can help, simply paper journals will do. Take note of noticeable changes in symptoms and frequency of flare-ups over the course of treatment.
- Consider sublingual immunotherapy: If allergy shots are simply too much for your kiddo, consider allergy drops or tablets. These can be a great alternative, given that no needles or doctor visits are involved.
Allergy Shots vs. Allergy Immunotherapy: Which is Best?
Deciding between subcutaneous immunotherapy and sublingual immunotherapy comes down to a few factors, including convenience, cost, and specific allergy types.
For example, let’s say you have a hectic schedule with next to no time for visits to your child’s allergist. If that’s the case, sublingual therapy might be the best fit. You can administer doses at home, which provides more flexibility and doesn’t disrupt your daily routine.
Or, let’s say you need something with complete health insurance coverage. If that’s the case, subcutaneous immunotherapy might be the better fit. Most health insurance providers cover allergy shots, but coverage varies based on allergy drops.
Of course, there are affordable allergy drop programs out there, so if you prefer the convenience of allergy drops but are on a budget, you can still make it work.
In terms of efficacy, both types are highly effective. However, the range of treatable allergies is generally wider with allergy shots. Researchers are working to expand the treatable allergy list for allergy drops, but as of now, the range is fairly limited.
Ultimately, the best fit hinges on the specifics of your situation.
Final Considerations: Is Immunotherapy Right for Your Family?
Allergy immunotherapy offers a proactive way to manage allergy symptoms with long-lasting effects, reducing the need for ongoing medication and improving the quality of life. However, it requires an ongoing commitment of both time and resources. Before deciding, consider your child’s allergies severity, your family schedule, and cost factors. A conversation with an allergist can provide further insights and help determine if this treatment is a good fit.
Incorporating allergy immunotherapy into your family’s routine might feel like a big responsibility at first, but for many, it results in a future with less allergy-related stress, fewer missed school days, and healthier, happier kids.
If you are considering allergy immunotherapy for your child, remember to talk to their doctor or allergist first. They can help you determine the best treatment based on your child’s needs and medical history.
