A New Wave of Immunotherapy Promises Lasting Hay Fever Relief
A BBC health feature explains that allergen immunotherapy—especially sublingual drops taken under the tongue—offers a long-term solution for hay fever by desensitising patients to pollen, with evidence of symptom relief lasting years after treatment ends and potential asthma-risk reduction. While injections carry a small risk of anaphylaxis and uptake is limited, sublingual immunotherapy provides a safer, cost-efficient alternative to injections. Treatment typically lasts about three years and should start weeks before pollen season; complementary options include antihistamine-corticosteroid nasal sprays and reducing pollen exposure. Biologics can help severe cases but are costly and don’t induce remission, underscoring the need for early referral and adherence to treatment regimens.
