Allergy Immunotherapy
What is Allergy Immunotherapy?
Allergy immunotherapy or allergy shots are an effective treatment for your allergies to things in the environment. After performing your testing, we are able to determine exactly what you are allergic to. We then combine these items into allergy shots and give you injections in the arm for about 3-5 years. This helps change your immune system long-term so that your body no longer reacts to these allergens. The shot does not penetrate the muscle and goes just into the subcutaneous tissue. The dose is steadily increased over weekly visits over the course of 6 months during what we call the build-up phase. We do offer several sped-up approaches such as Cluster or RUSH schedules for the build-up phase which decreases your weekly visits from 6 months to about 3 months. Regardless of which schedule you pick, once you reach the highest dose you enter the maintenance phase which involves coming in for monthly injections for about 5 years.
Side effects
Many patients experience minor symptoms such as redness, itchiness and swelling at the site of your injection. Rarely, we have patients experience more concerning symptoms for an allergic reaction which is why we have patients wait for 30 minutes after their allergy injection.
Proven and Effective Treatment
Allergy shots are a proven, effective way to treat the cause of your allergies and reduce the amount of medications that you are currently taking. Though it is a time-consuming process and requires a commitment from our patients, allergy shots are well-tolerated and we are confident you will be pleased with the results. We offer late appointments to accommodate your busy schedule. Allergy shots are covered by most insurance plans and we will help you get an accurate quote for this treatment.
Allergy Drops
An alternative option for those patients that are fearful of allergy shots or do not have the time to visit our office frequently, is to undergo treatment with allergy drops or sublingual immunotherapy. Allergy drops are given under the tongue and can also help minimize your symptoms. This works in a similar manner to allergy shots in order to build up your immunity to these allergens. Your treatment will be prescribed specifically for you by Dr. Rajan and you will have the convenience of being able to take this treatment at home. Allergy drops do have some disadvantages compared to traditional allergy shots therefore you should see Dr. Rajan to discuss which treatment is best for you.