Allergy immunotherapy

Treatment options for allergic rhinitis

Several kinds of over the counter medications may relieve your allergic symptoms, such as pills or sprays. Another kind of treatment is immunotherapy, allergy shots or under-the-tongue dissolvable tablets. If you feel that avoidance measures do not help as much as you would like and your need for allergy medication is significant, you should consult a doctor regarding allergy shots to alleviate -- and possibly even eliminate -- your allergic disease.

What is immunotherapy (AIT)?

Allergies happen when your body’s immune system reacts to allergens in your environment by attacking them. AIT (Allergy Immunotherapy) trains your body’s immune system to stop attacking harmless allergens so you don’t get allergic symptoms. AIT introduces small amounts of allergens into your body so your immune system can gradually learn to tolerate them better.

AIT is a natural way to help your body stop overreacting to allergens.

AIT is made of natural allergen substances that cause allergies. Substances like pollen from plants. Over time, AIT trains your immune system to know what causes your allergies. This way, your body will stop overreacting to them and you will have fewer symptoms. Things like runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and sinus pressure. AIT may even reduce your chances of getting new allergies or developing breathing problems. AIT is a proven way of fighting allergies that can have long-lasting results. Speak to your doctor about which AIT options are right for you.

 

There are 2 types of AIT

Allergy shots: Time-tested form of AIT that has been used for over 100 years and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Allergy shots are custom mixed by your allergy specialist based on your specific allergy triggers and are always given at your allergy specialist’s office

Sublingual, or under-the-tongue, tablets: Prescription sublingual tablets are the newest form of allergy immunotherapy approved by the Food and Drug Administration. They were launched in 2014 and are taken daily.

Your doctor will prescribe auto-injectable epinephrine, unless it is already available, in case of a severe allergic reaction. This happens in very few people but it is important to be aware of. Your doctor will show you how to correctly use the auto-injectable epinephrine. It takes time for AIT to work, but it keeps working for years after you stop taking it. So, it is important to stick with your therapy.

 

Staying on your therapy

AIT is not a quick fix. But it can be a lasting one. It takes some time for your immune system to gradually build a tolerance to allergens. So, it is important to stay on AIT for the duration of therapy. Even if you don’t feel like you have symptoms anymore. If you stop taking your medication too soon, it won’t have time to work.

  • AIT can treat your allergies, but it works gradually
  • Talk to your doctor about how to make sure you stay on AIT for the best results
 
Allergy Immunotherapy Img
In determining which treatment option is the right one, the cause of the allergy, its severity and symptoms should be taken into account.
Last updated: 2020.12.17