What is allergen immunotherapy?
Most allergy treatments — antihistamines, nasal sprays, inhalers — control symptoms while the underlying allergy remains unchanged. Immunotherapy works differently: it gradually exposes the immune system to tiny, increasing amounts of a confirmed allergen (like dust mite or a specific pollen) over time, retraining the immune system to react less strongly. It's the closest thing to a long-term, disease-modifying treatment currently available for allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma.
SCIT — Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (injections)
SCIT involves a series of injections given under the skin, usually starting with a build-up phase (weekly or biweekly injections of gradually increasing strength) followed by a maintenance phase (typically monthly) continued for 3–5 years. It's given in a clinical setting so the child can be observed for a short period afterward, since a reaction — while uncommon — needs prompt management.
SLIT — Sublingual Immunotherapy (drops/tablets)
SLIT is taken as drops or a tablet placed under the tongue, most often at home after the first few doses are given under medical supervision. It avoids injections entirely, which can make it easier for younger children, though it requires consistent daily dosing over several years to be effective.
Who is a candidate?
- A child with allergic rhinitis or allergic asthma confirmed by skin prick testing to a specific, clinically relevant allergen
- Symptoms that are only partially controlled by medicines and avoidance alone
- A trigger — commonly house dust mite or pollen — that can't realistically be avoided entirely
Immunotherapy is not started on suspicion alone; it always follows confirmed, clinically relevant sensitisation on testing.
What to expect
Both SCIT and SLIT work gradually — meaningful improvement is usually seen after several months to a year, with the full benefit building over 3–5 years of continued treatment. The goal is a lasting reduction in sensitivity that can persist even after treatment ends, unlike medicines that only work while being taken.
Talk to Dr. Narwani: Whether this test or treatment is right for your child depends on their specific history and prior test results — book a consultation to discuss.