Should My Child Have Child Allergy Immunotherapy ?

What Is Child Allergy Immunotherapy?

Child allergy immunotherapy is known by many by a more common name: allergy shots. It is also known medically by a less common name: allergen immunotherapy.

Child allergy immunotherapy is a course of treatment that results in a sort of vaccination against targeted allergens. Just as vaccinations teach the body how to recognize and react to a certain disease, child allergy immunotherapy teaches the body how to properly recognize allergens and react to them (or in the case of allergies—not react to them).

The "vaccine" used in child allergy immunotherapy is a small dose of extracted allergen. The allergen used is determined by the child's response to allergy testing. Both allergy testing and child allergy immunotherapy are performed by a specialized doctor, an allergist, or immunologist.

Child allergy immunotherapy requires a commitment on the part of the parent and the child. Child allergy immunotherapy begins with small weekly does which are then increased (the dosage) and decreased in frequency. After the initial build-up period, child allergy immunotherapy shots will be given on a bi-weekly basis, then a monthly basis for up to three more years. In total, a course of child allergy immunotherapy takes five years to complete, but the effects—desensitization to allergens—will last a for years.

When Should Child Allergy Immunotherapy Be Considered?

For most children, the normal regimen of reduced allergen exposure and management with medications is recommended. For most children, this course of action proves very successful.

There is the potential for side-effects and severe reactions in children receiving child allergy immunotherapy; side-effects that are localized consist of redness and swelling in the injections-site area. These can be controlled with allergy medications and if they persist the schedule and dosing may be revised. Systemic reactions can also occur, which can cause swelling and difficulty breathing. These are very rare but can be life threatening; this is one of the reasons why child allergy immunotherapy may not be in your child's best interest (depending on the allergy and severity).

When allergen avoidance and medications cannot adequately control a child's allergy symptoms, and symptoms are impacting the child's health on a larger scale, child allergy immunotherapy may be recommended. Children who are best suited for child allergy immunotherapy are

• Children who cannot control their allergies and/or allergy-related asthma well with medications
• Children who rely heavily on allergy/asthma medications to the extent that medications may be causing lasting harm
• Children who cannot avoid their allergy triggers, who meet the criteria above
• Children who are facing a life-long allergy for whom the management outlook is weak (as opposed to children showing signs of outgrowing the allergy)
• Children who have difficulty tolerating allergy and asthma medications

While child allergy immunotherapy is certainly tempting on the face, it should be remembered that child allergy immunotherapy is a long process before even initial relief is achieved; it can be six months or longer before child allergy immunotherapy will make a notable difference in the management of child allergies. The complete course, which is necessary to achieve full allergen immunity, can take as long as five years—that's a commitment that can be difficult to keep as children grow.

Ultimately, the decision to have a child undergo child allergy immunotherapy rests with the parent, but the choice is by no means made alone. Child allergy immunotherapy can only be undertaken on the advice and under the care of a qualified allergist, and so it is essential for both the parent and the child to build a trusting relationship with the doctor in order for child allergy immunotherapy to succeed.