Are allergy shots worth it? What you need to know about immunotherapy

702's Gugs Mhlungu spoke to paediatrician and paediatric allergy specialist, Professor Claudia Gray. 

Listen to their conversation in the audio clip below.

Have you had enough with allergies?

A recent Time Magazine article looked at the potentially game-changing treatment of immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots.

According to Gray, rather than simply masking symptoms like sneezing, congestion, or red eyes, immunotherapy trains the immune system to tolerate allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.

"...it's the only therapy in the allergy world that's potentially curative... So it's a potential cure. It's a potential changing of your immune system to no longer long-term react to that allergen."

- Professor Claudia Gray, paediatrician and paediatric allergy specialist

The treatment involves gradually introducing the allergen in small, regulated doses over a period of three to five years, either via injections, oral tablets, or sublingual sprays, explains Gray.

"You start off with every week for a month, and then you start on a monthly regime for the environmental allergens for three whole years. So it's a whole process." 

- Professor Claudia Gray, paediatrician and paediatric allergy specialist

She adds that it's especially effective for environmental allergens such as grass and dust mites.

But while this treatment has been around for decades, it's still underused, as access and affordability remain major challenges.

In South Africa, immunotherapy is not covered by most medical aids and treatment can cost around R1,000 a month with the added complication of importing the medication.

Gray stresses that results are not instant and that it may take up to a year before you notice an improvement.

"...some people can't have immunotherapy. If they have asthma that's very brittle, then giving an allergen might set off an asthma attack. So it's not suitable for all. So it's really in the specialist realm that needs to be discussed individually with the patient..." 

- Professor Claudia Gray, paediatrician and paediatric allergy specialist

It's important to consult your doctor before making any decisions regarding your health.

Scroll up to listen to the full conversation