Description: Desensitization is a therapeutic process used to reduce the immune system’s sensitivity to certain allergens, which are substances that trigger allergic reactions. This approach aims to modify the body’s response to these allergens, allowing affected individuals to better tolerate exposure to them. Desensitization is based on the idea that by gradually exposing the patient to controlled amounts of the allergen, a more tolerant immune response can be induced, thereby decreasing allergic symptoms. This process can take time and requires careful medical monitoring, as the administration of allergens can provoke adverse reactions if not managed properly. Desensitization is particularly relevant in the treatment of common allergies, such as those caused by pollen, dust mites, mold, and certain foods. Through this method, many patients have been able to improve their quality of life, reducing the need for antihistamines and other symptomatic treatments.
History: Desensitization has its roots in immunotherapy, dating back to the late 19th century. One of the first to use this approach was German physician Clemens von Pirquet, who introduced the idea of ‘immunization’ to treat allergies in 1906. Throughout the 20th century, the technique evolved and was formalized as a medical treatment in the 1960s when allergen extracts were used in controlled doses to induce tolerance. Since then, desensitization has been the subject of numerous studies and has proven effective in treating various allergies, establishing itself as a valid therapeutic option in clinical practice.
Uses: Desensitization is primarily used in the treatment of seasonal allergies, such as allergic rhinitis caused by pollen, as well as allergies to dust mites, mold, and insect venom. It has also been applied in food allergies, although this use is more recent and requires a more careful approach. Immunotherapy can be administered through subcutaneous injections or sublingual tablets, depending on the type of allergy and the patient’s preference. This treatment can help reduce the severity of allergic symptoms and, in some cases, may even lead to long-term remission of allergic disease.
Examples: An example of desensitization is allergen immunotherapy with pollen, where patients receive regular injections of pollen extracts in increasing doses over a period of time. Another example is sublingual immunotherapy for dust mite allergy, where patients place tablets containing allergen extracts under their tongue. In the case of food allergies, some studies have explored desensitization to foods like peanuts, where patients consume small amounts of the allergen in a controlled manner to increase their tolerance.
