Immunotherapy Specialist

What is immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is one of the allergy treatment options available at Allergy and Asthma Specialist Doctors, Inc. 

The allergy specialists understand how difficult it is to live with allergy symptoms. They offer many treatments to help you gain control over your allergies so you can live your life without your symptoms holding you back.  

Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment that decreases allergy symptoms by desensitizing your immune system to the allergen. In addition to alleviating your allergy symptoms, immunotherapy may also prevent the onset of new allergies or allergy-related complications such as asthma.

How does immunotherapy work?

Immunotherapy is similar to immunization. The basic concept is to desensitize your immune system to the allergen, so it no longer perceives it as a threat or causes symptoms. 

To desensitize your immune system, your provider at Allergy and Asthma Specialist Doctors, Inc., injects a small dose of the allergen into your body. Over time, your allergist increases the amount until you reach the target dose. 

To improve your immune response to the allergen, you continue on the target dose for a set period, usually 3 to 5 years. 

Am I a candidate for immunotherapy?

The experts at Allergy and Asthma Specialist Doctors, Inc., determine if you’re a candidate for immunotherapy after a comprehensive evaluation. They primarily recommend immunotherapy for patients suffering from allergies to grass, pollen, dust mites, or bee stings. 

In addition to allergy type, they also consider the severity of your allergy symptoms and the effectiveness of your current allergy treatment plan. 

What is the immunotherapy process?

Your allergist at Allergy and Asthma Specialist Doctors, Inc., develops a personalized immunotherapy treatment plan and reviews the process with you. 

There are two phases: the build-up phase and the maintenance phase.

Build-up phase

During the build-up phase, your allergist has you come to the office once or twice a week to receive your subcutaneous injection. At each visit, your allergist increases the amount of the allergen until you reach the target dose.

Most patients reach their target dose within three to six months.

Maintenance phase

Once you’re on the target dose, you start the maintenance phase. During this phase of your immunotherapy, your allergist has you come in for your subcutaneous injections every two to four weeks. You continue on the maintenance phase for 3 to 5 years.

To relieve your allergy symptoms, call Allergy and Asthma Specialist Doctors, Inc., or book an appointment online today to discuss immunotherapy.