Dr Adam Fox MA(Hons) Cantab.,
MSc,MB,BS,DCH,FRCPCH,FHEA,Dip. Allergy
Consultant Paediatric Allergist
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New Specialist TreatmentsAllergology (the study of allergy) is a fast moving field and a huge amount of new research is being conducted around the world. This has translated into some real advances in our ability to diagnose and treat allergic disease. Some of the most exciting developments are those in the field of desensitisation or immunotherapy, which has the potential to actually cure allergies by diverting the immune system’s response to a specific allergen (such as pollen).
Traditionally, this highly effective treatment was not particularly suitable for children. This was because they involved regular injections which could potentially cause severe reactions. However, new forms of immunotherapy are appearing particularly for the grass and tree pollen allergies that most commonly cause hayfever, although dust mite, cat, dog and horse immunotherapy are also available.
Sublingual immunotherapy involves using a spray or drops of the allergen under the tongue, rather than using injections. This form of treatment is much safer and thus can be given at home. As well as having been shown to reduce the symptoms of rhinitis, there is now scientific evidence to suggest that desensitisation can reduce the likelihood of developing new allergies and asthma.
Dr Fox has a particularly interest in sublingual immunotherapy, which is only available in specialist allergy centres. He has developed what is now the largest children’s sublingual immunotherapy clinic in the UK within his NHS practice. |
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