Can AIT treatment begin during the pollen season?
May 13, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Introduction
AIT refers to allergen immunotherapy. It is not recommended to start allergen immunotherapy during the pollen dispersal period. Before undergoing allergen immunotherapy, patients should undergo comprehensive allergen testing to identify their specific allergens. During the treatment period, patients should follow the doctor's instructions, receive treatment on schedule, and attend regular follow-up appointments.
Generally, AIT refers to allergen immunotherapy, which is not recommended to start during the pollen dispersal period. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Allergen immunotherapy involves repeatedly administering gradually increasing doses of allergen extracts via injection to enhance the patient's tolerance to specific allergens, thus controlling or alleviating allergic symptoms. During the pollen dispersal period, patients are already exposed to high levels of allergens. Initiating allergen immunotherapy at this time may intensify allergic reactions, leading to severe discomfort or even life-threatening conditions.
To avoid these risks, it is generally recommended to start allergen immunotherapy either before or after the pollen dispersal period. Starting treatment before the pollen season allows patients to gradually build tolerance before entering a hyper-sensitive state, while initiating therapy after the pollen season ensures that patients receive treatment during a hypo-sensitive phase, thereby enhancing both safety and effectiveness.
Prior to undergoing allergen immunotherapy, patients should undergo comprehensive allergen testing to identify their specific allergens. During treatment, patients should follow the doctor's instructions, attend scheduled treatments, and undergo regular follow-ups. If any discomfort or allergic reactions occur, immediate medical attention should be sought, and the treating physician should be informed of the ongoing therapy.
