Living with ongoing allergy symptoms such as hay fever, persistent sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion or disrupted sleep can be exhausting. Many people feel they have tried everything — antihistamines, nasal sprays and lifestyle changes — yet still struggle year after year.
If this sounds familiar, allergy immunotherapy may be an option worth considering.
In this guide, we explain what allergy immunotherapy is, who it may be suitable for, and how it can help adults and children achieve better long-term control of their allergy symptoms.
What Is Allergy Immunotherapy?
Allergy immunotherapy is a specialist treatment that targets the underlying cause of an allergy, rather than simply managing symptoms. Instead of providing temporary relief, it works by gradually training the immune system to become less sensitive to specific allergens.
This is achieved by exposing the body to carefully controlled, increasing amounts of an allergen over time. As tolerance develops, allergic reactions often become milder and easier to manage — and for many patients, significantly reduced.
Immunotherapy is most commonly used to treat conditions such as hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis), house dust mite allergy and tree pollen allergy, particularly when symptoms are moderate to severe or poorly controlled with standard medication.
Hay Fever and Allergy Immunotherapy
Hay fever affects a large proportion of adults and children in the UK and can have a significant impact on daily life. Symptoms may include sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, itchy eyes, fatigue and poor sleep, often worsening during pollen season.
For many people, hay fever can be managed with antihistamines and nasal sprays. However, when symptoms remain persistent or severe despite treatment, allergy immunotherapy may offer a longer-term solution.
Unlike medications that need to be taken every season, immunotherapy aims to reduce sensitivity to pollen over time. For some patients, this means fewer symptoms during peak pollen months and a reduced reliance on regular medication in the future.
Who Might Benefit from Immunotherapy?
Allergy immunotherapy may be suitable for adults and children whose allergy symptoms have a noticeable impact on daily life, including those who experience:
- Moderate to severe hay fever that is poorly controlled with medication
- Year-round symptoms caused by house dust mite allergy
- Allergies that interfere with sleep, school performance or work
- Side effects or poor tolerance to allergy medications
- A desire for longer-term symptom improvement rather than short-term relief
Before starting treatment, a specialist allergy assessment is essential. This usually includes a detailed consultation and allergy testing, such as skin prick testing, to accurately identify trigger allergens and confirm whether immunotherapy is appropriate.
Types of Allergy Immunotherapy
There are two main forms of allergy immunotherapy offered in specialist clinics.
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)
SLIT involves taking a small tablet under the tongue each day. It is needle-free and commonly used for grass pollen, tree pollen and house dust mite allergies. The first dose is given under medical supervision, with treatment then continuing at home with regular follow-up appointments.
Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT)
SCIT is administered to children via clinic-based injections, typically following a structured weekly schedule during the initial phase of treatment. Due to the nature of the therapy, it requires close monitoring and supervision by specialist clinicians and trained nursing staff.
How Long Does Immunotherapy Take to Work?
Allergy immunotherapy is a long-term treatment and typically continues for around three years. Many patients begin to notice improvements within the first few months, with benefits continuing to build over time.
The aim is lasting symptom reduction that can continue even after treatment has finished, rather than short-term relief during allergy seasons alone.
Is Allergy Immunotherapy Safe?
When prescribed and monitored by experienced allergy specialists, immunotherapy is considered safe and effective. Patients are carefully assessed before treatment begins, and those with asthma or other medical conditions are closely monitored throughout their treatment.
Is Immunotherapy Right for You?
Allergy immunotherapy is increasingly chosen by patients across Birmingham and the West Midlands who are looking for specialist-led, long-term allergy care. At Midland Health, patients can access expert assessment, allergy testing and personalised immunotherapy pathways in a calm, private setting without long waiting times.
If hay fever or other allergies are having a significant impact on your quality of life — or your child’s wellbeing — immunotherapy may be worth exploring. Our specialist allergy clinic can assess your symptoms, confirm your diagnosis and advise whether SLIT or SCIT is the most suitable option.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
If standard allergy treatments are no longer providing adequate relief, allergy immunotherapy may offer a longer-term solution. Our private allergy clinic in Birmingham provides specialist-led assessment and tailored treatment plans for both adults and children.
Appointments take place at our Francis Road Clinic, with care delivered by clinicians experienced in allergy and immunotherapy. If you would like to find out whether immunotherapy is right for you, our team is happy to guide you through the next steps.
