Desensitization Therapy

Living with allergies can be stressful for both children and parents. Avoiding certain foods or environmental triggers can feel limiting, and the fear of reactions can affect daily life, school, and social activities.

Desensitisation Therapy for Children

Helping Your Child Build Tolerance Safely Over Time

Living with allergies can be stressful for both children and parents. Avoiding certain foods or environmental triggers can feel limiting, and the fear of reactions can affect daily life, school, and social activities.

At his Allergy Clinic, Dr. Mahesh Katre offers desensitisation therapy for selected children with certain allergies. The goal is to help reduce the risk of severe reactions and allow children to live more confidently and safely.

What Is Desensitisation Therapy?

Desensitisation therapy, also known as immunotherapy, is a treatment that helps the body gradually become less sensitive to an allergen.

This is done by:
  • Introducing very small amounts of the allergen
  • Slowly increasing the dose under medical supervision
  • Monitoring carefully at every stage

Over time, the immune system learns to tolerate the allergen better.

Which Allergies Can Be Treated?

Desensitisation therapy may be considered for:
  • Certain food allergies (such as peanut, milk, or egg in selected cases)
  • Environmental allergies such as house dust mite
  • Seasonal allergies
  • Some respiratory allergies

Not every child is suitable for this therapy. Careful assessment is always done first.

How Does the Process Work?

The process is gradual and carefully supervised.

Dr. Mahesh:
  • Assesses whether your child is suitable
  • Explains the risks and benefits clearly
  • Starts with very small, controlled doses
  • Monitors your child closely during treatment
  • Adjusts the plan based on progress
  • Provides detailed guidance for home care

Safety is always the top priority.

What Are the Benefits?

Desensitisation therapy can help:
  • Reduce the severity of allergic reactions
  • Lower the risk of accidental severe reactions
  • Improve quality of life
  • Reduce anxiety around food or environmental exposure
  • Support long-term allergy management

For many families, this treatment brings greater confidence and peace of mind.

Is Desensitisation Safe for Children?

When done under specialist supervision, desensitisation therapy is carefully controlled and monitored. Parents are fully informed about:
  • Possible side effects
  • Safety precautions
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Follow-up schedule

Children are never rushed into treatment. Every decision is made together with the family.

When Should Parents Consider Desensitisation?

It may be worth discussing this option if:
  • Your child has a persistent food allergy
  • There is high anxiety around accidental exposure
  • Allergies are affecting school or social life
  • Avoidance is difficult despite careful planning
  • You want to explore long-term treatment options

A full evaluation helps determine what is suitable for your child.

Reassurance for Parents

Desensitisation therapy is not a quick fix. It is a carefully guided journey. With the right supervision and follow-up, many children experience improved safety and confidence over time.

The decision is always made thoughtfully and with your child’s best interest at heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

It does not completely cure allergies, but it can reduce sensitivity and lower the risk of severe reactions.

No. Careful assessment is needed to decide if your child is a good candidate.

Desensitisation is gradual and may take months to years, depending on the allergy and individual response.

Mild reactions can happen during treatment, which is why therapy is supervised carefully.

Avoidance may still be needed, depending on the stage of treatment and individual progress.

Initial stages and dose increases are done under medical supervision. Parents are guided clearly for home maintenance doses when appropriate.