Hay Fever Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy for Hay Fever: A Longer-Term Approach
Choose Appointment
Hay fever can be frustrating, especially when antihistamines and nasal sprays only help a little. For some people, symptoms return every year and still affect sleep, work, exercise, and day-to-day life.
Immunotherapy offers a different approach. Instead of only treating symptoms, it aims to reduce the allergy itself.
What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy, also known as desensitisation, works by exposing the immune system to very small, controlled amounts of the allergen that triggers symptoms, such as grass or tree pollen.
Over time, this can help the immune system become less reactive. The goal is simple: when pollen season returns, symptoms are milder, easier to control, and less disruptive.
Types of treatment
There are two main ways immunotherapy is given.
One is through injections under the skin, usually delivered in a specialist setting.
The other is taken under the tongue - known as sublingual immunotherapy, or SLIT. This is the more convenient option for many people and is widely used in the UK.
With SLIT, a tablet or sometimes drops are placed under the tongue each day. The allergen is absorbed through the lining of the mouth and gradually retrains the immune system without triggering a full allergic reaction.
In the UK, several well-established tablet treatments are available for specific pollen allergies:
These treatments are prescription-only and are chosen based on confirmed allergy testing.
The first dose is usually taken under medical supervision. After that, treatment continues at home, with a tablet taken daily. Consistency is important, as the effect builds gradually over time.
Who it may help
Immunotherapy is usually considered for people with moderate to severe hay fever that keeps coming back despite regular treatment.
It is most effective when there is a clearly identified trigger, as the treatment is targeted. For example, grass pollen and birch pollen are treated differently.
What to expect
Immunotherapy is not a quick fix.
Most people begin to notice improvement after six to 12 months, but treatment typically continues for around three years to achieve the best long-term results.
For seasonal allergies, treatment is often started a few months before the pollen season begins. This gives the immune system time to adapt before exposure increases.
The aim is lasting symptom reduction. Many people find their symptoms remain improved even after completing the course.
Pros and limits
The main advantage of immunotherapy is that it treats the underlying allergy, not just the symptoms. Over time, this may reduce the need for daily medications and improve quality of life during pollen season.
The main limitation is that it requires commitment. Treatment is long-term, and results take time. It is also not suitable for everyone, so a specialist assessment is essential before starting.
SLIT treatments are generally well tolerated. Some people experience mild side effects early on, such as itching or tingling in the mouth or throat, but these usually settle.
When to talk to a doctor
If hay fever is affecting your sleep, work, or daily life, and standard treatments are not working well enough, it may be worth speaking to a GP.
A GP can review your current treatment and discuss whether referral to an allergy specialist is appropriate. With the right assessment, immunotherapy can be a realistic and effective longer-term option.
We are here to help!
If you suspect that you’re experiencing an acute infection and need urgent medical attention, please don’t hesitate to contact us for an immediate appointment. Timely care can make all the difference in preventing further complications and ensuring a quick recovery.
