Allergies can have a significant effect on your quality of life. If you are suffering from allergies, it is possible that immunotherapy can provide you with some much-needed relief. Read on to find out more about what exactly immunotherapy is and how it was developed!
What is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is the practice of either subcutaneous or sublingual administration of allergens to an allergic individual. The idea is to help them slowly build up an immunity to the allergen so that, eventually, it no longer causes problems. This differs from medication in that it treats the underlying issues of the allergic reaction.
Subcutaneous Immunotherapy: This is administered as a vaccine. Due to its higher dosage, this type of immunotherapy should always be given by a trained medical professional.
Sublingual Immunotherapy: This tends to be a little safer because the doses are smaller. With this kind of immunotherapy, a drop of the allergen is placed under the tongue of the allergic individual. You can also take sublingual tablets.
A Brief History
The concept of immunotherapy was developed by physicians Noon and Freeman in the late 19th and early 20th century. Their research centered around hay fever. Noon recognized that when exposed to the hay fever toxin for long enough, some people built up an immunity to it. So, he hypothesized that if they injected allergic patients with a small dose of the toxin, over time, they would become immune. His hypothesis proved correct, and this method was used to treat hay fever throughout the 30s. Today it is a more mainstream medical practice for a variety of allergies, and it has improved the lives of many people.
Come See Us at Emerge!
If you think this treatment would benefit you, visit us at Emerge Medical & Well Spa. We offer immunotherapy treatment for our patients (shots, sublingual drop, and tables), and we would love to be able to help you. If you want to live a freer, healthier life, contact us today to learn more and set up an appointment!
