A serious disease close to everyone that can be found in all ages and genders, one of which is “Allergic Disease”, a condition related to various body systems such as the respiratory system, digestive system, and skin symptoms.
Causes of Allergic Disease
Allergic diseases can be caused by several factors, such as
- Exposure to various allergens including dust mites, pollen, fungi, and cockroaches, which often cause respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, or may be accompanied by asthma.
- Other common causes include drug allergies, food allergies, or insect allergies, which can cause symptoms in the skin, respiratory system, digestive system, and cardiovascular system, with varying severity.
Dr. Athik Saengasapawiriya, an allergy and clinical immunology specialist at Phyathai 2 Hospital, explains that each patient experiences different symptoms and severity of allergic disease depending on the type of allergen they are exposed to, and the body’s response varies from person to person.
Some patients have mild symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, or hives, which can interfere with work, study, and daily life. For some patients with severe allergies called Anaphylaxis, multiple body systems can be affected simultaneously. If not treated promptly, it may lead to shock and can be fatal.
Allergy Testing
Allergic disease is caused by an exaggerated response of the body to allergens, causing abnormal symptoms in various systems stimulated by the allergens. Currently, allergy testing can be done through skin tests and blood tests to detect antibodies against specific allergens (Specific IgE Antibodies). Patients will know which allergens they are allergic to, helping with avoidance and improving treatment outcomes.
Small but Dangerous… The Threat from “Dust Mites”
The most common allergic disease is dust mite allergy. Dust mites are very small insects that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Many patients are found because dust mites are close to us, mixed with household dust.
Currently, Phyathai 2 Hospital offers a sublingual tablet vaccine for treating dust mite allergy. This vaccine is extracted from two types of house dust mites combined. The principle is to stimulate the patient’s body to produce better immunity against the allergen, which helps alter the disease course and improve treatment effectiveness.
Various Benefits… of the Sublingual Dust Mite Allergy Tablet Vaccine
- Targeted treatment for patients with respiratory allergies to dust mites, improving disease control.
- For asthma patients allergic to dust mites, it helps control asthma symptoms, reduce exacerbations, and decrease medication use.
- Can be conveniently and safely self-administered at home, except the first tablet which must be taken under medical supervision to monitor for reactions.
- Has a lower chance of side effects compared to injectable vaccines.
How to Use… the Sublingual Tablet Vaccine
Doctors will prescribe the sublingual tablet vaccine to be taken once daily at the same dose for 3 years. The first tablet must be taken under medical supervision to observe for any reactions. Once deemed appropriate and without issues, patients can continue using the vaccine at home.
Possible Side Effects… After Using the Medication
- Itching inside the throat, mouth, tongue, or ears
- Swelling, inflammation, burning sensation around the lips, tongue, throat, possibly with mouth ulcers
- Numbness or prickling sensation in the mouth or tongue
- Hoarseness, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, altered taste
- Enlarged tonsils or salivary glands, or increased saliva production
- Eye inflammation, itchy eyes
- Discomfort in ears or nose, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, asthma symptoms, respiratory infections
- Stomach pain or discomfort, esophageal irritation, indigestion, heartburn
- Dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
For those using this vaccine, if these symptoms occur, monitor the symptoms and antihistamines can be taken. However, if symptoms are severe, seek medical attention immediately. Although the sublingual tablet vaccine is easy and convenient for patients as it does not require weekly hospital visits, it must be used under the discretion and supervision of a specialist doctor only.
Dr. Athik Saengasapawiriya, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Specialist, Phyathai 2 Hospital is ready to provide advice and treatment to patients. Early treatment of allergic diseases leads to better outcomes and benefits patients more than leaving the condition to become chronic, which can cause complications and require longer treatment. Thus, a small allergy issue can lead to unexpected severity.
