Allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots)

Allergy shots are a preventative treatment for allergic reactions. These injections may greatly reduce or even put an end to your allergy symptoms. Other drugs like antihistamines treat your symptoms, whereas allergen immunotherapy treats the cause of your allergy symptoms.

An allergen is a substance that triggers your allergies such as pet dander, pollen, dust mites, insect venom and mold. Our allergy testing helps identify your allergies.

Symptoms of Allergies:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose and nasal congestion
• Itchy, watery or swollen eyes
• Chest congestion
• Difficulty breathing
• Rash or hives

Causes of Allergies:

Triggers can include dust, pollen, mold, animal dander and several others. An overactive immune response to these substances causes mast cells (immune cells) to burst and release histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream, causing your allergy symptoms.

How does Allergen Immunotherapy Work?

Our immunotherapy injections give you small but gradually increasing doses of your allergen substances just under your skin (subcutaneously). The goal is to desensitize you or dampen your overreactive immune response to your allergens, which reduces or sometimes even eliminates your allergic symptoms.

There are two phases:

• Build-up: This phase involves receiving injections with increasing amounts of the allergens about one to two times per week. The length of this phase varies between three and six months.
• Maintenance: This phase begins once the effective dose is reached. The effective maintenance dose depends on your level of allergen sensitivity and your response to the build-up phase. During the maintenance phase, there will be longer periods of time between treatments, ranging from three to four weeks. Your allergist will decide what range is best for you.

Benefits of Allergen Immunotherapy

1. Reduces your allergy symptoms
2. Prevents the development of new allergies
3. Prevents the development of asthma
4. If you have asthma, it helps improve your symptoms and lung function
5. Can help to improve your eczema
6. Reduces the need for taking medications

If you would like to learn more about how Relief Allergy & Sinus Institute can help you get your allergies under control with allergen immunotherapy, request an appointment today online or call (630) 513-1691.