Hay Fever Desensitisation is a form of therapy which may be considered for people whose allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is not controlled by avoiding allergens or the use of medications.

Desensitisation therapy involves administering a series of injections that can desensitise a person to certain allergens. Increasing amounts of the allergen causing the problem are injected under the skin over time. This helps to reduce the immune response that triggers the body’s allergic reaction.

If allergic rhinitis causes significant interference to daily life, your doctor may refer you to an allergy specialist (allergist). They are likely to perform a series of skin prick tests to determine which allergens cause the most sensitivity and which immunotherapy is most appropriate.

Whilst this treatment is not effective in all cases, the majority of people who undertake it show some degree of improvement.