Lääkesiedätyshoito

Lääkesiedätyshoito, also known as drug desensitization, is a medical procedure used to reduce or eliminate allergic reactions to a medication. This is particularly important for individuals who have life-threatening allergies to drugs that are essential for their treatment, such as antibiotics used for serious infections or chemotherapy agents for cancer. The process involves administering gradually increasing doses of the offending medication over a period of hours or days in a closely monitored medical setting. This controlled exposure aims to retrain the immune system, making it less reactive to the drug.

The goal of lääkesiedätyshoito is not to cure the allergy permanently, but rather to enable the patient to tolerate the medication for the duration of their treatment. It is typically performed by allergists or other specialists with expertise in managing severe allergic reactions. Before starting the procedure, a thorough allergy assessment is usually conducted. During desensitization, patients are closely monitored for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or a drop in blood pressure. If a reaction occurs, the medication administration is paused, and the reaction is treated. Once the reaction subsides, the procedure can often be resumed at a lower dose.

Lääkesiedätyshoito is a complex and potentially risky procedure that requires careful planning and execution. It is most commonly used in situations where the benefits of administering the medication outweigh the risks of an allergic reaction, and when alternative medications are not suitable or available. The duration and specific protocol for desensitization vary depending on the drug, the severity of the allergy, and the individual patient's response.