Does Dust mite Immunotherapy Work and How Much Does It Cost?

November 4, 2024

What Is Dust Mite Immunotherapy?

dust mite immunotherapy injection drops or pill via sublingual

If you’re reading this, you probably know the misery of waking up congested every single morning. We know dust mites are the culprit, but avoiding them feels impossible. That’s where Immunotherapy comes in. Think of it less like a 'cure' and more like a boot camp for your immune system teaching your body to stop panicking every time it encounters a dust mite.

Starting Dust Allergy Shot / Injections

Test Dust Allergy: First, doctors see if dust mites are causing your allergies. They might use a skin test or a blood test
Starting Dust Allergy Shot: If you are allergic, doctors give you tiny amounts of dust mite allergens. This can be through small drops under your tongue or dust allergy injection
Regular Visits for 3-5 years: You will need to get this treatment regularly. It helps your body slowly get used to dust mites and potentially reducing allergic reactions
Reduced Allergy Symptoms: Over time, you will start to feel better and have fewer allergy symptoms.

Immunetherapy injections vs sublingual oral tablets / drops

Immunetherapy injections shots to reduce dust mite allergy

Immunetherapy sublingual oral tablets / drops to reduce dust mite allergy

Does Immunotherapy Work?

So, is it a miracle cure? The honest answer is: Not exactly.

While it changes lives for many, it’s rarely a complete cure. The data shows that while most people (about 70-80%) see a massive drop in symptoms, very few are 'cured' completely. It’s about reduction, not elimination. You might still need your nasal spray occasionally, but you won't be miserable 24/7.

Only 5-20%:Will be cured of a Dust Mite Allergy
70% to 80%: of people experience a reduction in their symptoms.

🔗 S. R., et al. (2010). "Allergen immunotherapy: evidence for efficacy and safety." Allergy.

This is why tackling a dust mite allergy should always be a combination of

Eliminating the root cause - Remove Dust Mites - Read our 6 step guide to get rid of dust mites here. Which has ZERO side effects to your health
Medication if you can afford and are willing to undergo the risks of immunotherapy and medication, then you can do this at the same time as removing dust mites from your home.

How Much Does Dust Mite Immunotherapy Cost?

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: The Price Tag.

Immunotherapy is a marathon, not a sprint, and that long-term commitment gets expensive. You aren't just paying for the medicine; you're paying for years of doctor visits, testing, and monitoring. Whether you choose the shots (SCIT) or the daily drops (SLIT), you need to be prepared for a bill that can run into the thousands over a 3-5 year period.

Initial Visit and Testing: This usually costs around $150 to $300. The first visit includes tests to check if you are allergic to dust mites.
Treatment Costs:

Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): If you take drops under your tongue, it might cost £300 to £800 per year for the medicine.
Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT): If you get allergy shots, the cost can be £1,000 to $3,000 per year which includes the shots and visits to the doctor.

Overall Treatment Cost: Dust mite immunotherapy usually lasts about 3 to 5 years. So, the total cost can range from £3,000 to £20,000 or more over the entire treatment period.

Spending thousands on shots while sleeping on a mattress full of mites is like trying to bail out a sinking boat with a teaspoon. You have to stop the leak first. My advice? Control your environment first. Seal your mattress, clean the air, and remove the source. If you still have symptoms after that, then look into immunotherapy to finish the job.

20% to 40% of immunotherapy patients experience a return after completing a 3-5 year course

Is Immunotherapy The Most Effective Dust Mite Allergy Treatment?

Yes but due to its limiations below you should look to reduce dust in your home at the same time:

Only 5-20%:Will be cured of a Dust Mite Allergy
70% to 80%: of people experience a reduction in their symptoms.
Up to 40% of immunetherpy pateitns experience symptoms returning after a 3-5 year course.
Numerous side affects such as Irritation, itching, and swelling; digestive upset, nausea, and diarrhea; sneezing, hives; and, rarely, life-threatening anaphylactic shock.

Removing dust mites from your home has a 100% effective rate as you are removing the root cause. Find out how to do this here