Allergy treatment

Overview

Once the trigger of an allergy has been identified, treatment is tailored accordingly. Three approaches complement one another: avoidance of the allergen (allergen avoidance), hyposensitisation as a causally oriented therapy, and the medicinal relief of symptoms.

Which route – or which combination – is sensible for you is something we determine together following allergy diagnostics. Hyposensitisation should be carried out by a physician experienced in allergology.

Areas of application

• Confirmed allergy with distressing symptoms
• Hay fever and allergic rhinitis
• Allergic asthma (in coordination with the further treatment)
• Insect venom allergy
• When avoidance of the trigger alone is not sufficient

Procedure

1. Allergen avoidance (avoiding the trigger)

   If the triggering allergen is known, consistent avoidance is the fundamental measure. With aeroallergens such as pollen or mould fungi this is not always possible – here, stays in high mountain regions or in coastal and island regions can have a favourable effect (climate therapy).

2. Hyposensitisation (specific immunotherapy)

   It is currently the only treatment that addresses the cause of the allergy, and it aims to reduce the sensitivity to the trigger. The allergen is administered at regular intervals in slowly increasing doses – as an injection under the skin or as drops. Treatment begins, where possible, before the allergy season and usually extends over about three years. After each injection, an observation period of about 30 minutes is required.

3. Medicinal therapy

   Medicinal treatment acts symptomatically and relieves the symptoms. Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic medicines are used – topically or as a tablet. We determine the selection and dosage individually.

What to expect

• Hyposensitisation runs over about three years with regular appointments and should be started before the allergy season.
• After each injection, you remain at the practice for about 30 minutes for observation.
• Medicinal therapy relieves the symptoms but does not remove the cause.
• Avoidance of the trigger remains – where possible – the most important measure.
• On the day of the injection, refrain from strenuous physical exertion, sauna, hot baths and alcohol – these can promote reactions.

Risks & notes

• With subcutaneous hyposensitisation (injection), stronger – including systemic – allergic reactions can occur, rarely, up to anaphylactic shock, most likely within the first 30 minutes. For this reason it is carried out by experienced medical hands with a subsequent observation period of at least 30 minutes and emergency preparedness; with the sublingual form (drops/tablets), milder, local reactions in the mouth area are usually to be expected.
• Hyposensitisation is not suitable in every situation – for example with insufficiently controlled asthma, during pregnancy (newly starting), or with certain concomitant medications (e.g. beta blockers). We check suitability and contraindications before starting.
• Medicines for symptom relief can have side effects depending on the active ingredient; we select them individually and discuss them with you.
• The complete avoidance of some allergens (e.g. pollen) is often not possible in everyday life.

Recommendations for pollen allergy

• Keep windows closed in the morning and ventilate rather in the evening.
• Avoid gardening work during the main pollen-flight period where possible.
• Plan the timing and location of holidays deliberately (e.g. mountains, coast).
• Be aware of possible cross-reactions with foods (e.g. certain herbal teas, honey).

Recommendations for house dust mite allergy

• Ensure sufficient fresh air and keep the humidity below 50%.
• Prefer wipeable floors.
• Use mite-proof mattress and bedding covers (encasings).
• Rather avoid air conditioning units.

Recommendations for mould allergy

• Remediate damp walls and masonry.
• Avoid potted plants in the living/sleeping area where possible.
• Keep humidity low.

Frequently asked questions

What treatment options are there for allergies?

Three complementary routes: avoidance of the trigger (allergen avoidance), hyposensitisation as a causal therapy, and the medicinal relief of symptoms. What is sensible is something we determine together following diagnostics.

What is hyposensitisation?

The treatment that addresses the cause: the allergen is administered in slowly increasing doses (as an injection or drops) in order to reduce the sensitivity. It usually runs over about three years.

How long does hyposensitisation take?

Usually about three years with regular appointments. It is started, where possible, before the allergy season; after each injection a short observation period at the practice follows.

What can I do myself?

Where possible, avoiding the trigger helps the most. For pollen, house dust mite and mould allergies you will find concrete everyday recommendations on this page.