Types of Immunotherapy Q&A

Allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is a form of long-term treatment that decreases or completely alleviates symptoms for many people suffering from allergies. This includes those with rhinitis, asthma, and conjunctivitis brought on by exposure to allergens. It also includes those with a stinging insect allergy.

Allergy shots work in a very similar manner to a vaccine. Your body is injected with safe amounts of an allergen to give it the opportunity to learn to fight it off. Over time, the amount of allergen injected is gradually increased, which leads to the body developing tolerance or immunity or tolerance towards the substance.

Allergy shots are beneficial because they decrease sensitivity to allergens even once treatment has stopped. This makes it a beneficial treatment for many people who are looking for long-term relief or who haven’t had sound success managing their allergies through other methods.

Currently, there are two main types of allergy immunotherapy. They are allergy shots, which are the most common, and sublingual immunotherapy (also known as SLIT).

Allergy shots involve injecting small doses of an allergen into the body so that it can become less sensitive to it over time. Allergy shots typically work well in those who have allergies to pet dander, pollen, dust, and insect bites, or who suffer from allergy-related asthma. Unfortunately, they don’t have as much success when it comes to treating food, medicine, or feather allergies.

In comparison, sublingual immunotherapy treats certain allergies without injections. Instead, small doses of an allergen are placed under the tongue, exposing the body to a manageable amount of the substance. This is done repeatedly over time with the amount of allergen increasing throughout the treatment process. This periodic exposure improves tolerance to the substance and reduces symptoms.

Immunotherapy is a well-received treatment method for many patients who are suffering from allergies. Benefits include the following:

⦁ Reduced sensitivity to certain allergens such as mold, dust, pet dander, pollen, and insect bites.
⦁ Is safe for those who are 5+ years of age.
⦁ Provides long-lasting relief, even when treatment is over, especially for those with severe year-round allergies.
⦁ Immunotherapy can help improve inflammatory skin conditions and asthma symptoms.
⦁ Can help get your allergies under control if you’ve stopped responding to allergy medication or other treatments.
⦁ Improves immune system function, allowing your body can start fighting off allergens on its own.
⦁ Reduce your need for allergy medication.
⦁ You no longer have to avoid your triggers.

Speaking to an allergist is the best way of deciding if immunotherapy is the right treatment option for you. Certain allergies such as those to food, medication, and feathers should not be treated with immunotherapy. This form of treatment is also not recommended for those who may become, or who currently are, pregnant.

Your primary care physician or allergist may recommend allergy immunotherapy for numerous reasons.

If you have allergies brought on by seasonal or indoor allergens (such as pollen, dust, grass, mold, bug bites, or pet dander) or your current allergy medication has grown ineffective, then allergy shots may be suggested as an alternative mode of treatment. They’re also recommended for those who can’t avoid the allergens that cause them problems and who don’t want to be on allergy medication long-term.

If you’re considering immunotherapy to help you manage and treat your allergies, contact our specialists at Piniella Asthma + Allergy today. We are happy to provide you with all the information you need to make a decision you can feel comfortable and confident in. Call us today or book in online to get started with allergy treatment that is tailored to your unique needs. We serve patients from Coral Gables FL, Palmetto Bay FL, Westchester FL, Brownsville FL, Kendall FL, Pinecrest FL, Richmond West FL, and Goulds FL.