When seasonal sniffles, itchy eyes, and endless sneezing become more than a minor inconvenience, it may be time to explore a long-term solution. Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, are a treatment that can reduce your sensitivity to allergens and help you breathe easier all year long. Our allergists can walk you through the process of allergy shots treatment and what to expect at your first appointment.
Allergy Shots Treatment
Allergy shots are a long-term plan that gradually trains your immune system to stop overreacting to allergens. They can help reduce that reaction over time by receiving regular injections of small amounts of allergens, just enough to stimulate your immune system without causing a full-blown allergic reaction. Over time, your body becomes desensitized, leading to fewer symptoms and reduced need for allergy medications.
Who Benefits from Allergy Shots?
This treatment may be ideal if you suffer from moderate to severe allergies that have
not responded to other medications. People with the following conditions often
benefit the most: allergic rhinitis (sneezing, congestion, runny nose), insect sting allergies (bees, wasps), asthma triggered by allergens, itchy eyes related to allergies, and eczema triggered by allergies. Allergy shots are also useful for those who are unable to tolerate over-the-counter allergy medications. At McGovern Allergy and Asthma Clinic, we evaluate each patient’s unique case through allergy testing to determine if allergy shots treatment is the best option.
How Does It Work?
The treatment has two phases: the build-up phase and the maintenance phase.
Build-Up Phase:
You’ll receive injections 1-2 times a week for a couple of months. Each shot contains a slightly larger allergen, gradually training your immune system to handle it better. There is also a procedure called “RUSH immunotherapy” that accelerates this buildup process, potentially reducing the time to maintenance by half.
Maintenance Phase:
Once you reach your target dose, you’ll move to monthly injections. This phase typically lasts 3 to 5 years. During this time, you should notice a significant reduction in symptoms.
Most patients see improvement within the first year of allergy shots treatment, and optimal results develop as treatment continues.
What to Expect at Your Appointments
When you come to McGovern Allergy and Asthma Clinic for allergy shots treatment, we’ll make sure you’re as comfortable and informed as possible. Here’s what a typical visit looks like:
- You’ll be prepared for your allergy shot by our team and given the
- You’ll be asked to stay at the clinic for about 30 minutes to monitor for any possible reactions.
- Any side effects are usually mild, like swelling or redness at the injection site
- If you have questions or concerns, our team is here to guide you through every step of your treatment.
Why Choose Allergy Shots Treatment?
For many patients, allergy shots treatment is life-changing. While it requires a time commitment, the benefits can be long-lasting, even after treatment ends. You may:
- Use fewer allergy medications
- Experience fewer symptoms
- Enjoy a higher quality of life, especially during allergy seasons
- It’s an investment in your future comfort and
Why Choose McGovern Allergy & Asthma Clinic?
We take pride in creating personalized treatment plans for every McGovern Allergy and Asthma Clinic patient. Our experienced team of board-certified allergists understands how frustrating allergy symptoms can be, and we’re here to help you find relief that lasts. Allergy shot treatment is one of our most effective options, and we’ll be with you every step of the way—from initial testing to your final shot. If you are tired of temporary fixes and ready for long-term allergy relief, it may be time to consider allergy shots treatment. Contact our team at McGovern Allergy and Asthma Clinic today to schedule your consultation and find out if this treatment is right for you.