Immunotherapy is a treatment that can permanently cure allergies. 85% of people who receive immunotherapy get significantly better.
What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy works like a vaccine for your allergies. Unlike medications which simply control the symptoms of your allergies, immunotherapy treats the underlying immune issues that cause allergies. It teaches your body to become immune to the things to which it is allergic. As you become less allergic, you stop needing medicines to control your symptoms.
In immunotherapy, gradually increasing doses of the things to which you are allergic are given once or twice a week for several months. When the optimal dose is reached, injections are spaced out to once or twice a month. After a period time, it may be possible to stop treatment and not have the allergies come back. You can start feeling better in the first couple months but the full benefits can take over a year.
Serious adverse effects are rare but need immediate attention. You will be asked to wait 30 minutes after your injection to make sure that you do not have any problems.
Is immunotherapy right for you?
Immunotherapy is used to treat the following problems:
- Asthma
- Nasal, sinus or eye allergies
- Seasonal allergies
- Indoor allergies such as dust, pet and mold
- Insect sting allergies
You may benefit from immunotherapy if you:
- Are allergic to things you cannot easily avoid.
- Need many medicines to control your allergies.
- Have trouble controlling your allergies with medicines.
- Have side effects from your allergy medicines.
- Do not want to depend on medicines long term.
Immunotherapy can prevent allergies from getting worse in the future. In children with allergies, it can prevent asthma as they get older.
When to see an allergist
If you have allergies that are causing asthma, nasal, sinus or eye problems or have insect sting allergies, find out if immunotherapy can help you. You can find out exactly what is causing your allergies and come up with a individualized plan to get better. Your allergist will help you decide which combination of immunotherapy, allergen avoidance and/or medicines is the best choice for you.
