Allergy Immunotherapy
Why Allergy Immunotherapy?
Allergy immunotherapy also known as allergy shots/drops is a type of preventive treatment for allergens such as pollen, mold, dust mites, and animal dander. While medications such as antihistamines and nasal sprays only treat the symptoms, allergen immunotherapy treats the underlying cause of the allergic reaction by inducing immune tolerance to these antigens. It is done by gradually exposing your body to increasing amounts of the specific antigens.
How do I get started on immunotherapy?
After your complete allergy evaluation, if the treatment plan designed for you includes immunotherapy, the provider will discuss injection and sublingual immunotherapy alternatives with you. Depending on the route you choose, the appropriate allergy vaccine will be prepared for you. Once the vaccine is ready, we will then need to see you in the office to answer all your questions, have you sign the consent forms, take the first dose in our presence, observe you for at least a half an hour for any reactions, and to give you detailed instructions. A weekly allergy shot schedule will then be given to you. If you choose allergy drops, you may then take your treatment vials with you for administration of daily doses at home. We will provide you with written dosing guidelines and renewal instructions and answer all your questions.
How quickly will I see relief of my allergy symptoms?
Although treatment success varies from patient to patient, we anticipate improvement within the first few months of treatment. Maximum benefit may take a year or so of regular therapy. Adjustments to your dosing may be made as the treatment progresses. We will expect you to keep us informed about how you are responding to the treatment. Of course, we will see you for periodic office visits on a regular basis.