We offer two types of immunotherapy: allergy shots and sublingual allergy drops. Both decrease sensitivity to allergens and often lead to lasting relief of allergy symptoms even after treatment is stopped.
How Does Immunotherapy Work?
Treatment involves introducing the body to your specific allergies. It begins with a build-up phase. Doses are given in increasing concentrations until the maintenance dose is reached. The time period for therapy is typically 3-5 years. Some people have lasting remission of their allergy symptoms but others may relapse after discontinuing therapy.
What Are The Risks?
For allergy shot patients, a typical reaction is redness and swelling at the injection site. This can happen immediately or several hours after the treatment. In some instances, symptoms can include increased allergy symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion or hives.
Serious reactions to allergy shots are rare. When they do occur, they require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction can include swelling in the throat, wheezing or tightness in the chest, nausea and dizziness. Most serious reactions develop within 20 minutes of the allergy injections. This is why it is recommended you wait in your doctor’s office for at least 20 minutes after you receive allergy shots.
For sublingual allergy drops, serious allergic reactions are even more rare. Thus, this treatment may be done in the convenience of your home.