Immunotherapy

Long-Term Relief for Persistent Allergies

Allergy immunotherapy is a powerful solution for people whose allergies don’t respond to conventional medical treatment. This therapy uses small doses of allergens in the form of shots or drops administered over time to train the body’s tolerance to seasonal and indoor allergens.

This innovative treatment goes beyond symptom management, aiming instead to retrain your immune system for lasting relief.

Understanding Allergy Immunotherapy

What is Allergy Immunotherapy?

Allergy immunotherapy is a treatment protocol that decreases sensitivity to allergens by exposing the immune system to small, controlled doses, building immunity over time. For patients whose allergies resist conventional treatments, like over-the-counter antihistamines, this method has been proven to provide long-term symptom relief.

Types of Therapy Available

• Allergy Shots (Subcutaneous Immunotherapy)
• Allergy Drops (Sublingual Immunotherapy)

Allergy Shots: A Precise and Proven Method

How They Work

The standard in allergy treatment for decades, subcutaneous immunotherapy involves regular injections of allergens into the upper arm to build immunity or tolerance over time. This therapy is administered at your allergy clinic and has two distinct phases:

• Build-Up Phase: During this phase, weekly injections of increasing dosages are administered for several months. Once you reach an effective dose where you no longer show symptoms, the next phase begins.
• Maintenance Phase: This phase can last several years and consists of a normalization of doses and less frequent injections, typically every few weeks.

Allergy shots have been highly effective at relieving a wide range of allergies, including seasonal, indoor, and insect sting allergies. With regular treatment, you can expect long-lasting benefits. Allergy shots also help reduce the need for daily allergy medications.

What to Consider About Allergy Shots

Though allergy shots have been in use for decades and have been proven to be very safe, the substance used in this type of therapy is something you are allergic to. Some people may experience minor local reactions near or around the injection site, but severe reactions are very rare. Because of the small risk of anaphylaxis these shots can pose, they are typically administered in the office.

For most patients, symptom improvement is often seen in the first year, with continued benefits throughout the course of therapy.

Allergy Drops: An At-Home Solution

How They Work

As a noninvasive option, allergy drops work by placing small amounts of liquid allergen under the tongue. Because this therapy works within the body to combat the cause of allergies rather than the symptoms, it is more effective than over-the-counter medications at providing relief.

As with allergy shots, the dosage is gradually increased over time. However, allergy drops are typically administered daily, with treatment lasting between three and five years.

For many, sublingual immunotherapy has become a convenient means of treatment. Because it’s noninvasive, it has a much lower risk of triggering severe reactions compared to shots. Allergy drops are also an ideal solution for patients with needle phobia or those whose schedules make it difficult to come to an office regularly for shots.

While the list of specific allergies that allergy drops can treat is growing, this method of allergy immunotherapy is currently most effective for treating grass, ragweed, pet dander, and tree pollen allergies, as well as asthma related to dust mites.

What to Consider About Allergy Drops

Most who consider allergy drops find them easy to incorporate into their daily lives. Side effects are typically mild but may include temporary tingling or itching within the mouth. Although rare, some patients report intestinal discomfort during the initial weeks that typically resolves itself.

Choosing the Right Treatment for You

Consultation and Testing

A thorough consultation and allergy testing are the best way to determine treatment. Your initial consultation begins with an examination of your allergy history and symptoms. With this information our team uses advanced testing to help identify your specific allergy triggers. From there, we’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan based upon your needs and preferences.

Committed to Treatment

Regardless of which method you choose, allergy immunotherapy requires a long-term commitment for the best results. Consider the convenience, potential side effects, and medical support you’d want in your treatment protocol.