One of the leading treatments for children and adults with severe allergies who do not respond to traditional medications is allergy desensitization. This process, also called allergen immunotherapy, works by slowly introducing the body to harmless substances that usually cause an allergic reaction so that it can eventually learn not to overreact to their presence. Pollen, dust, spores, mold, and many foods like nuts and dairy are often used in desensitization therapies with great success. For kids with severe allergies, desensitization may be a great option since their immune systems are still learning and they may be able to adapt fast than adults who have been living with the same allergy for many years.

The process of having allergy immunotherapy is pretty straightforward. 

• First, the allergy is defined by a professional. It’s important that they know specifically what materials are causing the child to go into an immune overreaction in the first place. 
• Next, extremely diluted versions of the allergen are created which are then either injected into the child or given as a pill. The quantity is so minute that the immune system can see it but doesn’t go into a full attack like usual. 
• Over time, the amount of the allergen that is administered is very slowly increased until the immune system will tolerate a full normal amount being present with no reaction.

Working with an allergist or other specialist is the best way to get immunotherapy treatments. This way you can get more information about the allergy itself, and work with the professional who can safely administer the therapy. It’s extremely important that allergy desensitization never be attempted without the help of a professional because even small quantities of an allergen can be enough to cause a threatening reaction.

When immune therapy is used, it’s often just a few months at most before changes are seen. Many children will find that their immune responses slow down in the presence of the allergen and that reactions become less severe over time. Eventually, the goal is to have the child have little to no reaction to an allergen that may have at one time been life threatening.

Advances are being made all the time with desensitization therapy, so it’s a great option to look into if your child struggles with severe allergies.

Have you tried allergy desensitization to help with your child’s allergies? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!