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Allergen immunotherapy

Treating the cause, not only the symptoms

A structured, long-term programme that aims to calm how strongly your immune system reacts to a confirmed allergen.

Most allergy care manages symptoms as they happen. Allergen immunotherapy takes a different route: small, controlled doses of the allergen you react to, given regularly over several years, so the immune response to it can gradually settle. It is considered only after testing confirms the specific trigger, and only for patients a consultant judges suitable.

Book an assessment How it works

Only started after allergy testing confirms the trigger

Why consider it

A treatment aimed at the sensitivity itself

Symptom medication helps you get through the day. Immunotherapy sets out to change how your immune system responds in the first place.

Works with the immune system

Repeated, measured exposure aims to build tolerance to the allergen over time, rather than blocking a reaction after it starts.

Started from a confirmed diagnosis

Skin-prick or blood testing identifies the exact trigger first, so the programme targets the allergen that is actually driving symptoms.

May reduce reliance on daily medication

For patients who respond, symptoms and the need for regular antihistamines or sprays can ease. Response varies from person to person.

Supervised throughout

Each dose change is planned by a consultant, and the first dose is taken at the centre with monitoring afterwards.

Sublingual formats

Under the tongue — no injections

Both formats are taken under the tongue. The consultant recommends the one that fits your allergen, age and routine.

Drops or tablets · mostly at home

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)

The allergen is placed under the tongue as a daily drop or dissolvable tablet. The first dose is taken at the centre; the rest are taken at home at the same time each day. Often preferred for children and for pollen or dust-mite allergy.

  • Daily dose, taken at home after the first supervised one
  • Mild mouth or throat itching in the first weeks is common
Tablet · details coming soon

House dust mite tablet

A sublingual tablet specific to house dust mite allergy. Full details on the course, dosing and suitability will be added here shortly.

The journey

What a course looks like

From the first consultation to closing the course — usually three to five years in total.

  1. 01

    Consultation and testing

    First visit

    A full history, examination and allergy testing to confirm which allergen is responsible and whether immunotherapy is an option.

  2. 02

    Deciding together

    Follow-up

    The consultant explains the expected commitment, the route that fits your situation, likely reactions and what the programme can and cannot be expected to do.

  3. 03

    Build-up phase

    First weeks to months

    The dose is increased in small steps at scheduled visits until the maintenance dose is reached. Reactions are watched closely and the pace is adjusted to you.

  4. 04

    Maintenance

    Ongoing

    A steady daily dose continues at home — usually for three to five years in total.

  5. 05

    Review

    Every few months

    Regular consultant reviews track symptoms, medication use and tolerability, and decide when the course can be brought to a close.

Who it may suit

  • Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) from pollen, dust mite or animal dander that is confirmed on testing and not settling with usual medication
  • House dust-mite allergy with year-round nasal or eye symptoms
  • Selected cases of well-controlled allergic asthma, alongside inhaler treatment
  • People who prefer to treat the underlying sensitivity rather than take daily symptom medication long term

Important to know

  • It is a multi-year commitment — regular doses and scheduled reviews matter for it to be worthwhile
  • Benefit builds slowly and does not help everyone; some people respond well, others less so
  • Not usually started during pregnancy, and severe or unstable asthma needs to be settled first
  • Local reactions — itching or mild swelling under the tongue — are common early on; the team will explain what to expect

The medical team

Specialists who plan and supervise the programme

View all doctors

Good to know

Common questions

How long before I might notice a difference?
Many people who respond report a change over the first one to two years, with the aim of lasting benefit after a full three-to-five-year course. This varies between individuals, and a consultant will review progress with you along the way.
Is it safe?
Immunotherapy has been used for decades and is given under medical supervision for this reason. The common reactions are local and mild. More significant reactions are uncommon but possible, which is why the first sublingual dose is always taken with the team present at the centre.
Can children have it?
Yes — sublingual immunotherapy in particular is often used in children once the trigger is confirmed. The consultant assesses suitability case by case.
What does it cost?
Cost depends on the route, the allergen extract and the length of the course. Our team will give you a clear breakdown before anything begins.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Whether allergen immunotherapy is appropriate — and which type — can only be decided in consultation after allergy testing.

Start with an assessment

Find out whether immunotherapy is right for you

It begins with allergy testing and a consultation at Kochi. There's no commitment until you and the consultant decide together.

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Helpline: +91 70125 46352

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