Desensitization (hyposensitization) is a form of therapy that is used for allergy sufferers. It cannot cure the allergy, but the symptoms are reduced by slowly getting used to the allergen. The advantage of this therapy is that it does not involve medication or surgery.
Here you will find the most important information and qualified desensitization specialists.
According to a study by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), almost a third of 18- to 79-year-olds in Germany suffer from an allergy. Allergies are not only annoying everyday companions, but above all omnipresent sources of danger to health.
The symptoms range from itching in the nose and sneezing to anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening.
With desensitization (or hyposensitization as it is commonly known today) of the body's immune function, allergic reactions can be considerably reduced.
Desensitization or hyposensitization is a type of allergy therapy that brings about a long-term improvement in symptoms.
In hyposensitization, the body is carefully administered increasing doses of the allergenic substance under the guidance of a doctor. This makes the body less sensitive to the substance administered.
Desensitization can be thought of as a kind of long-term vaccination against allergens. Unlike a vaccination, the body's own immune defenses are not trained and prepared to fight the allergenic substances. The body is exposed to the allergen in low doses so that it becomes accustomed to the substances and refrains from extreme defense reactions.
Pollen allergy: annoying sneezing when the weather is nice © Patrizia Tilly / Fotolia
In everyday language, desensitization is primarily known as hyposensitization. Medical professionals gradually introduce higher doses of the allergen to the body in order to familiarize it with the substance and prevent future extreme reactions.
The body does not become insensitive, but less sensitive. This does not mean that the allergy can be considered cured. However, desensitization is the only procedure that allows the body to become naturally accustomed to the allergenic substance.
As the supposedly dangerous substance is then known to the body, it reduces the nervous reaction of the immune system. This effectively limits or completely eliminates the allergy symptoms.
Hyposensitization or desensitization is usually carried out by injection at regular intervals (usually several years) and with increasing doses of the allergen. The procedure can now also be carried out by taking drops or tablets. However, the chances of success are lower in this case.
In principle, anyone suffering from an immediate type allergy (IgE-mediated type I allergy) can undergo desensitization. However, the procedure should ideally be carried out at a younger age (under 50) and, if possible, immediately after the onset of the allergy (under 5 years).
Younger patients have a higher chance of the therapy working and being symptom-free in the long term. The organism may not yet have stabilized or may even still be growing. For this reason, it is easier for them to gradually switch off the automatic immune defense mechanisms when they come into contact with an allergen.
However, older allergy sufferers or allergy sufferers who have spent their entire lives with an allergy can also undergo desensitization. It is possible that their body can still adjust to the allergenic substance. Those who only have a narrow allergy spectrum also have an advantage. The more diverse the allergies, the more difficult it is to wean the body off the allergenic substances.
Depending on the individual type of allergy, desensitization may require several years of regular sessions in order to have a long-term effect. However, it has a high success rate. For example, the rate for an insect allergy is 95 percent and for a pollen allergy it is 80 to 90 percent.
Treatment with allergenic substances carries risks. The organism is deliberately exposed to a substance that it initially cannot tolerate. Itching or reddening of the skin in the area of the injection is relatively common. This is not a cause for concern. If the treatment causes
should be reported to a doctor immediately. There are therefore risks associated with desensitization or hyposensitization.
However, it is unlikely that serious problems will actually occur after administration. The frequency of serious complications is stated to be less than 1:10,000.
hyposensitization cannot be carried out. To increase the chances of success and minimize the risks, you can observe the following instructions:
Discuss the risks with a medical professional to see if desensitization is right for you!
Allergies can be controlled with medication, but there is no cure.
Medication reduces the symptoms of the allergy, whereby the success depends on the severity of the allergy. In addition, medication always contains harmful substances that have to be filtered and excreted by the kidneys.
Desensitization makes it possible to be largely or completely symptom-free without the addition of medication. In addition, the success of hyposensitization or desensitization is usually more comprehensive than that of drug treatment, as the body learns to deal with the substances that cause illness. This means that the reaction is not artificially anaesthetized, but is independently suppressed by the body after successful desensitization.
The procedure contributes to a comprehensive reduction in symptoms and the development of a natural tolerance. It also helps to prevent asthma and the development of new allergies.
The advantages at a glance:
As there are many different types of allergies and allergens, different specialists can be involved here, such as dermatologists (skin doctors) and ENT specialists. Allergists specialize in allergies.
