Is allergy immunotherapy effective for long‑term relief?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 21 years old. I am constantly sneezing with a runny nose and itchy eyes, especially in spring. An allergy test showed sensitivity to pollen and dust mites. Antihistamines help, but make me sleepy. I use nasal sprays, but symptoms return if I skip using them.

Sometimes I wheeze too, so I worry if this could develop into asthma. Is allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets) effective for long‑term relief? Also, does keeping an air purifier at home actually reduce symptoms significantly?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

It sounds like your symptoms are quite bothersome and persistent, especially since they flare up with pollen and dust exposure, and your concern about progression to asthma is very valid, given your occasional wheezing.

Antihistamines and nasal sprays are useful for controlling symptoms, but as you have noticed, they do not provide lasting relief once you stop. Allergy immunotherapy, whether through allergy shots or sublingual tablets, is one of the few treatments that can actually change the course of allergic disease by gradually training your immune system to become less reactive.

Over time, it can reduce symptoms, lower medication needs, and even decrease the risk of developing asthma in people with allergic rhinitis. It does require commitment, as treatment typically lasts three to five years, but many patients experience long‑term benefit.

As for air purifiers, they can help reduce indoor allergen load, especially for dust mites, pet dander, and pollen that drifts indoors, though their effect is usually modest and best when combined with other measures like frequent cleaning, using dust mite‑proof bedding covers, and keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons. Overall, immunotherapy plus environmental control may give you more lasting improvement than medications alone.

I hope that this answers your query.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.