If allergy medication doesn’t relieve your symptoms, you may benefit from immunotherapy. The goal of this treatment is to teach the body how to tolerate allergens, meaning it treats the condition itself rather than just relieving symptoms.
At Spartanburg-Greer ENT & Allergy, we can help determine if allergy immunotherapy is a good fit for you and get you started with treatment.
How Does Allergy Immunotherapy Work?
Allergy symptoms occur when the immune system overreacts to allergens and produces antibodies to attack allergens. Consistent exposure to small but increasing doses of an allergen helps desensitize your immune system to it.
Tyles of Immunotherapy
There are two types of allergy immunotherapy: allergy shots, or subcutaneous immunotherapy, and allergy drops, or sublingual immunotherapy.
Allergy Shots
The most common form of immunotherapy, allergy shots, consists of regular weekly injections for three to five years. After receiving the shot, you’ll remain in our office for 20 minutes in case you have a reaction.
Allergy shots consists of the build-up phase and the maintenance phase. During the build-up phase, a small amount of the allergen is injected into the upper arm. The dosage is gradually increased at each visit, and the length of the build-up phase may be adjusted based on your body’s reaction.
When you have reached the highest dose of the allergen your body can handle without showing symptoms, the maintenance phase will begin.
Allergy Drops
Allergy drops have been approved by the FDA for allergies to dust mites, ragweed and certain types of grass. You’ll place liquid or a tablet containing a small amount of allergen under your tongue and let it dissolve. Usually, you’ll take drops daily for several years to build up tolerance or immunity.
The first dose of allergy drops will be administered at our office to make sure you don’t have a severe reaction. After that, the drops can typically be self-administered at home.
Should I Be Aware of Any Risks?
Because immunotherapy contains a substance you are allergic to, there are some risks involved. Our team at Spartanburg-Greer ENT & Allergy will help you manage any side effects that may arise.
Potential side effects include:
- Swelling and redness at the site of the shot
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Hives
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Itching in the mouth
- Intestinal discomfort
A New Way to Manage Your Allergies
If your allergies are more severe or other medications are not effectively relieving your symptoms, immunotherapy may be a good option. Our specialists at Spartanburg-Greer ENT & Allergy will help you determine if this treatment is a good fit for you and support you on your journey toward relief.
Call Spartanburg-Greer ENT & Allergy for more information or to schedule an appointment.