Allergy Shots
Allergy shots (also called subcutaneous immunotherapy, or SCIT) are one of the best treatments available for your allergies and asthma. This is because allergy shots change the way your immune system reacts to the environment. In an allergic process your immune system overreacts to otherwise benign triggers in your daily life, such as pollens, pet dander and dust mites. Unlike medications that treat these symptoms, immunotherapy stimulates the immune system to counter this abnormal response. By gradually introducing ever greater quantities of the allergen, allergy shots can dampen the allergic response over time and provide lasting relief. Benefits from allergy shots include:
- Fewer symptoms and less need for medications – relief that lasts for years after completing a course of allergy shots
- Reduce the risk of developing more allergies in young children
- Reduce the risk of developing asthma in at risk children
At Allergy partners, we formulate allergen vaccines targeted against your unique allergy triggers. Initial doses are very small and administered at weekly intervals. After a build-up of approximately six months, immunotherapy is continued at an optimized dose of every two-four weeks for a three-five year course.
Cluster Immunotherapy
Depending on your medical history and specific needs, you may also be a candidate for an alternative approach to immunotherapy called cluster immunotherapy. With this approach, the build-up phase is more rapid, consisting of nine weekly immunotherapy sessions. At each session, you will receive 1 to 3 doses of immunotherapy every 30 minutes. While sessions may last up to 90 minutes, patients often reach maintenance dosages in a little as four weeks.
Such a schedule may be very appealing to patients desiring to see results quicker or whose schedule is better suited to a more intensive initial phase of immunotherapy.
Common Side Effects
Most reactions to any kind of immunotherapy are localized and appear as redness or swelling at the injection site. This typically occurs within a couple of hours and clears up soon after. Systemic reactions are much less common, but may include symptoms such as itching, sneezing, congestion, hives, cough, or wheezing, all of which will be monitored during your visit. While severe reactions are uncommon, they can occur, which is why allergy shots are to be given under medical supervision and everyone is monitored for 30 minutes after their injections.
Conditions Treated
Allergy shots are proven to be an effective treatment in a wide range of conditions, including:
The Allergy Partners Difference
As the largest allergy practice in the country, we have leveraged the combined expertise of our physicians and our relationships with the leading extract manufacturers to develop the safest and most cost-effective immunotherapy program possible.
Although immunotherapy is not a cure for allergies, it is a treatment plan that proactively targets the cause of your allergic response, rather than the symptoms after the fact. At Allergy Partners, we will develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and provides lasting relief so you can enjoy the activities that you love.
Find a Location today to live life more comfortably.
Four Steps to Relief
Planning Your First Visit
Schedule an appointment at your local office and fill out our pre-registration and medical history forms to help minimize any wait time when you arrive.
Your First Visit
Your initial visit will consist of a consultation, review of your medical history and a comprehensive exam to build a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Diagnostics and Testing
We may complete one or more tests to better understand the cause of your symptoms. Common tests include skin testing, pulmonary testing, and blood testing.
Treatment
Following the evaluation and testing, we’ll provide a comprehensive diagnosis and implement a personalized treatment plan that will deliver relief.
