Desensitization: Fatigue is a common side effect

Created: 06/22/2022, 02:00 p.m

By: Jasmin Pospiech

Anyone who is allergic to pollen & co. can use a special therapy to strengthen their immune system.

But this is not entirely without consequences.

Mönchengladbach – Anyone suffering from hay fever has various treatment options.

On the one hand, there are some antiallergic medications that can alleviate the symptoms.

On the other hand, there are over-the-counter nose drops and sprays that contain cortisone and eye drops with active ingredients such as azelastine and levocabastine.

These help against acute symptoms such as a runny nose, itching, reddened and watery eyes.

Antihistamines are also available.

In the event of an allergic reaction, the body releases the inflammatory messenger histamine.

The antihistamines, however, inhibit this from docking to receptors on the mucous membrane cells in the nose.

Desensitization: Fatigue is a common side effect

Desensitization is a lengthy process.

(Iconic image) © IMAGO / Westend61

However, all of these drugs only combat the symptoms and not the cause of the allergic rhinitis.

This is where the so-called “hyposensitization” comes into play.

It is also called subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) because it literally "gets under the skin".

The doctor uses a syringe to inject the allergen to which you are allergic.

The aim is to mobilize the immune system and get it used to the substance that is perceived as dangerous or harmful.

But such therapy can last between three and five years.

After all, the dose of the allergen is only gradually increased during hyposensitization.

Appointments are therefore held weekly until the maintenance dose is reached.

Then patients only have to come every four to six weeks.

However, hyposensitization does not only have the purpose of reducing an existing allergy or alleviating symptoms.

The therapy can also prevent new ones and counteract the development of asthma, explains the German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB).

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Hyposensitization: Other side effects of the therapy

Basically, hyposensitization is considered to be well tolerated.

Nevertheless, therapy can always have side effects, such as the following:

• Redness and swelling at the injection site

• itching

• tiredness and exhaustion

• nervousness

• headache

• difficulty breathing

• hives (rare)

• Nausea, circulatory problems and anaphylactic shock (very rare)

Most side effects are usually harmless and disappear quickly after they occur.

Nevertheless, doctors advise staying in the office for about 30 minutes after the injection.

If severe symptoms should finally occur, at least medical help is on the spot immediately.

This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication.

In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor.

Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.