siedätyshoidon

Siedätyshoito, also known as immunotherapy or desensitization therapy, is a medical treatment designed to reduce a person's allergic response to specific substances. It involves gradually exposing the patient to increasing doses of the allergen over a period of time. The goal is to retrain the immune system to tolerate the allergen, thereby diminishing or eliminating allergic symptoms such as sneezing, itching, hives, or anaphylaxis.

This treatment is typically prescribed for individuals with severe or persistent allergies that significantly impact their quality of life, or for those who do not respond well to conventional allergy medications like antihistamines. Common allergens treated with immunotherapy include pollen (from trees, grasses, and weeds), dust mites, animal dander, and insect venom.

There are two main forms of siedätyshoito: subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). SCIT involves regular injections of the allergen extract under the skin, usually administered in a doctor's office. SLIT involves placing the allergen extract under the tongue, which can often be done at home after initial medical supervision. The duration of treatment can vary, often lasting several years. While siedätyshoito can be highly effective, potential side effects may include localized reactions at the injection site or mild allergic symptoms. Serious adverse reactions are rare but possible, necessitating careful monitoring by healthcare professionals.