For people with persistent allergies, daily medications can feel like a temporary fix for a problem that never truly goes away. If you’re tired of managing symptoms and want a long-term solution, it might be time to learn about immunotherapy. Here is everything you need to know about immunotherapy, a treatment designed to retrain your immune system rather than just suppress symptoms. With a high allergy immunotherapy success rate for many common allergens, this approach offers lasting relief and a chance to significantly improve your quality of life. This guide covers allergy shots and drops, how they work, and what you can expect from treatment. At Doral Health & Wellness, we have all the answers you need.
What is Allergy Immunotherapy?
Allergy immunotherapy is a preventive treatment for allergic reactions to substances like grass pollens, dust mites, and bee venom. It involves giving a person gradually increasing doses of the substance, or allergen, to which they are allergic. The incremental increases help the immune system build up a tolerance to the allergen, making it less reactive over time.
Instead of just treating symptoms, immunotherapy addresses the root cause of the allergy. The goal is to create long-term changes in the immune system, leading to fewer, milder, or even no symptoms after treatment is complete.
Types of Allergy Immunotherapy
There are two main forms of immunotherapy, both of which should be administered under the supervision of a qualified allergist.
Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT) – Allergy Shots
This is the most common and well-studied form of immunotherapy.
- How it works: Allergy shots involve injecting a tiny amount of the specific allergen into the skin of your upper arm.
- Process: Treatment is divided into two phases:
- Buildup Phase: You’ll receive injections once or twice a week with gradually increasing doses. This phase typically lasts three to six months.
- Maintenance Phase: Once the effective dose is reached, injections are given less frequently, usually every two to four weeks. This phase continues for three to five years.
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) – Allergy Drops or Tablets
This is a newer, needle-free alternative to shots.
- How it works: SLIT involves placing a tablet or liquid drops containing the allergen under your tongue, where it dissolves and is absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Process: The first dose is usually given in the doctor’s office, but subsequent daily doses are taken at home. Like shots, treatment typically lasts for three to five years to achieve lasting benefits. Currently, SLIT is FDA-approved for treating allergies to specific grass pollens, ragweed, and dust mites.
The High Allergy Immunotherapy Success Rate
One of the most compelling reasons to consider this treatment is the allergy immunotherapy success rate. While it’s not a guaranteed cure, it is highly effective for a majority of patients.
- Symptom Reduction: Most people experience a significant reduction in their allergy symptoms, along with a decreased need for allergy medications. Studies show that 85% of people with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) benefit from allergy shots.
- Long-Lasting Relief: The benefits of a full three-to-five-year course of immunotherapy can last for years after treatment has stopped.
- Prevention of New Allergies and Asthma: In children, immunotherapy has been shown to help prevent the development of new allergies. It can also reduce the risk of developing allergic asthma in children with hay fever.
Success depends on consistency with the treatment schedule and completing the full course as recommended by your allergist.
Who is a Good Candidate for Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is not for everyone. Your doctor will help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. Good candidates typically include individuals who:
- Suffer from allergies to pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold, or insect stings.
- Experience symptoms that are not well-controlled by medications or avoidance measures.
- Want to reduce their long-term use of allergy medications.
- Have allergic asthma.
- You’re willing to commit to the long-term treatment schedule.
Immunotherapy is generally not recommended for food allergies, although new treatments like oral immunotherapy for food are being studied and administered by specialists.
What to Expect and When to See a Specialist
Starting immunotherapy is a significant commitment. The first step is to see an allergist for proper allergy testing to identify your specific triggers. Once your allergens are confirmed, your doctor will discuss whether you are a good candidate.
Throughout your treatment, you will be monitored for any reactions. For allergy shots, you will need to wait in the doctor’s office for 30 minutes after each injection to ensure any potential reaction can be treated immediately. While SLIT is generally considered to have a lower risk of severe reactions, medical supervision is still essential.
In some complex cases involving multiple sensitivities or related immune disorders, your specialist may work with an immunologist. This expert can provide further insight into the immune system’s response, ensuring the treatment is tailored and safe.
Here is everything you need to know about immunotherapy: it is a proven, effective treatment that offers the potential for long-term relief from allergy symptoms by targeting the underlying cause. With a high allergy immunotherapy success rate, both shots and drops can significantly reduce your reliance on daily medications and improve your overall quality of life. If you are struggling with persistent allergies, schedule a consultation with an allergist to explore whether this life-changing treatment is right for you. Call us on + 1-718-367-2555 to book your appointment now to receive best-in-class treatment that helps prevent or manage your allergies for a better life. Take action now, before it’s too late! If you need help, register your information at https://yuz88hfiyh7.typeform.com/Doralintake. Or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.
