Allergen Immunotherapy

What is Allergen Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is designed to prevent allergic reactions by encouraging the immune system to recognise and respond to allergic proteins differently. Treatment involves exposing the patient to very small doses of the allergen that they are allergic to.

For example, children with pollen allergies make Immunoglobulin (IgE) antibodies to pollen proteins. This treatment teaches the immune system to make different antibodies (IgG4) to the pollen proteins. These new antibodies may compete with the allergic antibodies and redirect the immune system’s response, allowing your child to get relief from their allergy symptoms in the future.

Allergies We Can Treat

It is not uncommon for mild allergies to develop into something more severe as a result of repeated exposure. That is why it is crucial to develop a treatment plan at the earliest opportunity. At our specialist clinic in Birmingham, our skilled professionals can diagnose and treat a range of allergies, desensitisation methods can be successful in treating allergies like:

• Grass Pollen: Grass pollen is one of the most common allergens and symptoms include sneezing and a runny nose, watery eyes and swelling around the eyes. Immunotherapy involves the repeated administration of small doses of the allergen to reduce the immune system’s sensitivity.
• House Dust Mites: A dust mite allergy in children can result in common allergy symptoms, including sneezing and coughing. They can even trigger asthma symptoms, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing. But thankfully, immunotherapy can improve tolerance to this substance and reduce symptoms.
• Birch Pollen: Tree pollen can trigger quite serious allergic reactions, resulting in symptoms such as wheezing and difficulty breathing. Exposure to this allergen can help your child build up a tolerance to tree pollen and provide effective relief.

If your child is struggling with allergy symptoms to these allergens or others, arrange to see our medical experts as soon as possible. With access to cutting-edge tests and equipment, we are well-placed to diagnose and treat your child’s allergies.

Our Allergy Immunotherapy Treatments

At our private clinic in Birmingham, we are able to provide a range of immunotherapy treatments for children with severe allergies. In order to provide your child with effective relief, we are proud to be able to offer:

Choosing Between Sublingual and Subcutaneous Immunotherapy

If your child is suffering from allergies, you might be wondering which of our effective immunotherapy options to choose: sublingual immunotherapy or subcutaneous immunotherapy injections.

Both options have their benefits, and the best choice for you depends on:

• Your child’s allergy type: Shots treat a wider range of allergies, while tablets are currently licenced for pollen and house dust mite allergies.
• Your child’s lifestyle: Injections require regular clinic visits, while drops are taken at home.

We understand choosing the right approach can be confusing. Our expert team is here to guide you. Schedule a consultation today. We'll discuss your child’s allergies, answer any questions, and help you find the treatment that lets your child breathe easily again.

What Does Subcutaneous Immunotherapy Involve?

Subcutaneous Immunotherapy is a safe and effective treatment option for children aged 8 and over who suffer from allergies that haven't been controlled by medications like antihistamines and nasal sprays. These allergies can be to things like pollen, dust mites, or furry animals.

It works by giving your child tiny doses of what they're allergic to in a series of injections under the arm. Over time, these injections help their body build a tolerance to the allergens, reducing allergy symptoms for years to come.

The Treatment Process

We understand that needles can be scary for children, and we're here to make the appointment as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:

• Quick and Easy Injections: The injections themselves only take about 10 seconds each.
• Friendly and Caring Staff: Your child will be seen by a friendly and experienced nurse in a comfortable environment.
• Pre-Injection Checkup: Before each injection, a nurse will check to make sure your child is healthy and well enough to receive the dose.
• Monitoring for Safety: After the injection, your child will be observed for at least an hour to ensure they experience no serious reactions. Our team will be there every step of the way.

The initial treatment typically involves a series of 4 injections, spaced one to two weeks apart.  For pollens, this is done each year of the three-year program. For optimal results with pollen allergies, it's important to start this treatment at least 3 months before the hay fever season begins.

For House Dust Mites or furry animals, this initial course is followed by 4-6 weekly injections and would be reviewed at 6 months for improvement.  If successful this would ordinarily be continued for 3 years for maximal long-term benefit.  When treatment is commenced for furry animal allergy, it is recommended that the home environment is allergen-free with minimal exposure for the first 4 months of treatment.

Our Paediatric Allergy Specialist

Our paediatric allergy service is led by Dr Tom Dawson, a highly-trained paediatric consultant. Dr Dawson specialises in infections and allergies and has a wealth of experience in immunotherapy treatments. He trained at University College London before treating patients at our Birmingham clinic and has since made a name as an industry expert in his field. 

Chairing the Midlands Paediatric Allergy Group, Dr Dawson is deeply committed to ensuring that outstanding clinical practices are followed for paediatric allergy services across the UK. He is a member of the BRIT committee, a group monitoring nationwide immunotherapy use, as well as the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology Standards Group.

No matter how severe your child’s allergies are, Dr Dawson always takes a compassionate approach to treatment. If your child is suffering from severe allergies, Dr Dawson will be happy to see you for a consultation and will work with you to find a suitable treatment for your child.

Prices

The cost for the first year of Sublingual Immunotherapy includes:

• 30-minute observation time in the clinic after the first dose is administered
• 3 months of medication issued at the first appointment
• 3-month follow-up appointment
• 9 months of medication which will be issued at the follow-up appointment. 
• One optional follow-up appointment within the first year in the unlikely event it is required

Why Choose Us?

If you have any concerns about your child’s allergies, it is wise to book an appointment with an experienced allergy specialist today. As industry experts in our field, we make allergy treatments more accessible for families in Birmingham and the surrounding areas. When you choose us, you do not have to wait for weeks on end to see a qualified paediatrician. You can book an appointment with our specialist in a matter of days. We are proud to provide:

• Appointments with a specialist within days
• Private consultations with allergy experts
• No waiting lists
• State-of-the-art medical facilities and technology
• No GP referrals required
• Exceptional patient care

Visit Our Paediatric Allergy Clinic In Birmingham

If your little one is experiencing issues with their allergies, the team at our Birmingham clinic can help. We specialise in allergen immunotherapy and can provide a range of treatments to reduce allergy symptoms. The clinic is conveniently located just outside of Birmingham City Center on Highfield Road and can be accessed by both car and public transportation.

FAQs