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Desensitisation

These 10 tips will boost the success of your allergy adjustment

Allergies can significantly impact everyday life, but desensitisation offers the hope of lasting relief. By gradually exposing the body to triggers, it learns to react less strongly. This gentle approach promises a long-term reduction of symptoms. What can you do yourself to support this treatment?
  • Remain at the practice for at least 30 minutes after injections or medication intake

After administration of the desensitisation therapy, you should stay on site for at least half an hour. This allows any allergic side effects or reactions to be recognised and treated promptly by healthcare professionals, which significantly increases your safety.

  • Keep your doctor informed regularly about changes and complaints

So your doctor can best monitor the course of treatment, always inform them about new allergic symptoms, intercurrent illnesses, vaccinations or changes in medication, especially beta-blockers.

  • Avoid physical exertion and heat exposure on the day of treatment

Avoid intensive physical activities such as sport on the day of a desensitisation session or during the initial phase of therapy. Sauna visits or hot baths can also put extra strain on the skin and circulation and increase your body's reactivity.

  • Do not take the medication immediately after brushing your teeth

Toothbrushing irritates the oral mucosa. This can increase side effects of sublingual preparations, such as itching or burning. Try to separate the timing of intake where possible to improve tolerability.

  • Wash your hands thoroughly after taking the medication

Wash your hands thoroughly after taking allergy preparations. This prevents allergens from accidentally getting into your eyes or nose and causing unnecessary irritation or allergic reactions.

  • Follow the dosing instructions and agreed follow-up appointments exactly

The effectiveness of sublingual desensitisation strongly depends on correct use. Therefore, follow the dosage and intake instructions carefully. Also attend your follow-up appointments regularly so your doctor can check treatment success and adjust it if necessary.

  • Check your breathing function if you have bronchial asthma

Especially with accompanying asthma, it is important to measure your lung function regularly yourself using a peak flow meter. This helps you detect changes early and seek medical help in time to avoid complications during desensitisation.

  • Use antiallergic or antiasthmatic medications for support if needed

Antihistamines or asthma medications can be taken alongside desensitisation without reducing treatment success. For insect venom or mould allergies, however, it is advisable to clarify this in advance with your allergist.

  • Keep a symptom and side-effect diary

Document your complaints, the effectiveness of the treatment and any side effects. This way you and your doctor can closely monitor the course of desensitisation and make informed decisions.

  • Understand the long-term effect of desensitisation

With this therapy, your immune system is gradually accustomed to the allergen, which reduces allergic reactions. This can significantly improve your quality of life and, over time, reduce the need for conventional allergy medications. Patience and consistent therapy are therefore crucial for long-term success.

editorial.facts

  • Around 70–80% of patients benefit from desensitisation, which generally lasts three to five years. For pollen allergies, treatments of about six weeks can already be sufficient to achieve a noticeable improvement. This significantly reduces the need for medication.
  • Desensitisation is the only therapy that treats allergies causally and not just the symptoms. It is mainly used for allergies to pollen, house dust mites, animal hair or insect venom. The aim of treatment is to gradually accustom the immune system to the allergen substance and thus weaken the allergic reaction.