Allergen Immunotherapy Explained: Can It Reduce Allergy Symptoms? | Dr. Ashwini R | Narayana Health

Allergies can cause symptoms such as itching, a runny nose, sneezing, wheezing, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. But what happens inside the immune system when the body reacts to otherwise harmless substances? In this informative video, Dr. Ashwini R, Consultant ENT at Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center, Bommasandra, Bengaluru, explains the science behind allergies and how allergen immunotherapy may help retrain the immune system to become less sensitive to specific allergens. Dr. Ashwini explains the role of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, IgE antibodies, mast cells, histamine, and T-regulatory cells in the allergic response. She also discusses how conventional treatments may help control symptoms, while allergen immunotherapy is designed to address the underlying immune response through gradual, controlled exposure to allergens under medical supervision. The video also covers potential benefits discussed in the presentation, including better control of allergic rhinitis and asthma, improved sleep, greater ability to participate in outdoor activities, and reduced dependence on sprays or inhalers in suitable patients. Treatment suitability, duration, risks, and outcomes vary from person to person and must be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional. Chapters 00:00 Narayana Health introduction and medical disclaimer 00:05 Meet Dr. Ashwini R, Consultant ENT 00:11 What is allergen immunotherapy? 00:15 Common allergy symptoms 00:23 Allergy symptoms versus the immune response 00:30 Understanding the immune system through the security-system analogy 00:43 How T cells and B cells respond to allergens 00:54 IgE antibodies and mast cells 01:08 Histamine release and allergy symptoms 01:21 Why the immune system overreacts to harmless substances 01:32 Common allergy medicines and symptom control 01:55 How allergen immunotherapy works 02:08 Gradual allergen exposure and immune tolerance 02:28 The role of T-regulatory cells 02:44 Controlling histamine and reducing symptoms 02:59 Asthma and allergic rhinitis management 03:04 Sleep, outdoor activities, and medication dependence 03:15 Allergen immunotherapy as a disease-modifying treatment 03:27 Addressing the underlying disease process 03:36 Closing message If you experience persistent sneezing, nasal congestion, a runny nose, itching, wheezing, breathing difficulty, or recurring allergy symptoms, consult an ENT specialist, allergist, pulmonologist, or other qualified healthcare professional for an appropriate evaluation. Learn more about Narayana Health: https://www.narayanahealth.org/ Contact Narayana Health: https://www.narayanahealth.org/contact-us Medical Disclaimer: This video is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every patient has unique healthcare needs. Always consult a qualified ENT specialist, allergist, pulmonologist, or other healthcare professional for personalised guidance. Allergen immunotherapy is not suitable for everyone and should only be considered after appropriate medical evaluation and under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Do not delay or disregard professional medical advice because of information presented in this video. #AllergenImmunotherapy #AllergyTreatment #AllergyRelief #AllergicRhinitis #AsthmaCare #ENTSpecialist #AllergyAwareness #Immunotherapy #ChronicAllergies #NarayanaHealth #DrAshwiniR #Healthcare