Did you know that according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), over 100 million Americans experience allergies each year? For many of those individuals, allergy shots, also known as allergen immunotherapy, offer a path to a healthier and more allergy-free life.
Dr. Lisa Hutto, an expert in allergies, asthma, and sinus diseases in South Carolina, is here to help you breathe easier with personalized care. Using advanced treatments like allergy shots, Dr. Hutto works to ease allergy symptoms and improve your daily life. Struggling with allergies? Schedule an appointment today for lasting relief.
Now, let's explore how allergy shots work and why they might be the right solution for you.
What Are Allergy Shots?
Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, are a long-term treatment designed to reduce sensitivity to allergens by gradually building tolerance. This treatment exposes patients to small amounts of allergens, helping the immune system become less reactive. Allergy shots target triggers like pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander, addressing the root cause of allergies rather than masking symptoms. They are especially helpful for individuals with severe symptoms that cannot be managed with medication alone, offering lasting relief and improved quality of life.
How do Allergy Shots Work?
Subcutaneous immunotherapy, also known as allergy immunotherapy, is an effective treatment designed to reduce severe allergy symptoms and improve quality of life. This process involves gradually desensitizing the immune system to specific allergen extracts, such as pollen, house dust mites, or substances causing food allergies. It begins with the buildup phase, where small, diluted doses of allergens are administered through immunotherapy injections, typically once or twice a week. These doses are slowly increased to help the body tolerate the allergens and reduce serious reactions. Once the optimal dose is reached, the maintenance phase begins, with injections spaced out every few weeks.
Subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy is commonly used for allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, and other allergic conditions, providing relief from symptoms like nasal congestion, asthma symptoms, and severe reactions during the pollen season. While this immunotherapy treatment takes time—often months or years—it is highly effective in treating allergy symptoms. Many patients, under the care of an allergy specialist, find significant relief from severe symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life. For those seeking alternatives, options like allergy drops may also be available.
Step-by-Step Process of Desensitization Through Controlled Allergen Exposure
- Initial Evaluation – The process begins with a detailed allergy test to identify specific allergens causing reactions. This can involve skin prick tests or blood tests.
- Development of Custom Serum – Based on the test results, a custom allergen serum is created, tailored to the patient’s specific allergies.
- Starting Low Doses – Treatment starts with extremely low doses of the allergen to minimize the risk of severe reactions.
- Gradual Increase Over Time – The dosage of the allergen is progressively increased during the treatment phases, allowing the immune system to adapt.
- Regular Monitoring – The patient is monitored closely to ensure the treatment's effectiveness and to prevent adverse reactions.
Training the Immune System Over Time
Allergy shots work by retraining the immune system to tolerate allergens rather than react aggressively to them. Over time, the immune system’s response to allergens becomes subdued, reducing or even eliminating symptoms. This gradual process helps shift the body’s immune reaction from an overactive, allergic state to a more balanced and healthy response, offering long-term benefits for those suffering from allergies.
What to Expect During the Allergy Shot Process?
Before starting allergy shots, your doctor will review your medical history and perform allergy testing to identify specific triggers. During the injection process, a small amount of the allergen is injected under the skin, usually in the upper arm, to build tolerance gradually. Initially, you will receive injections one to two times per week during the buildup phase, which typically lasts three to six months. Once the maintenance phase begins, injections are spaced out to once every two to four weeks, continuing for three to five years, allowing the immune system to adapt over time.
Benefits of Allergy Shots
- Provide long-term relief by addressing the root cause of allergies rather than masking symptoms.
- Help patients experience fewer and less severe allergic reactions over time.
- Improve quality of life and reduce reliance on daily allergy medications.
- Save time and minimize potential side effects compared to daily medication use.
- Offer cost-effectiveness over time by reducing spending on medications and doctor visits.
- Allow individuals to enjoy daily activities without constant allergy disruptions.
- Boost overall well-being and productivity.
- Serve as a valuable and sustainable long-term solution for managing allergies.
Allergy Shots vs. Other Allergy Treatment Options
Allergy shots address the root cause of allergic reactions, unlike antihistamines or nasal sprays that only offer temporary relief and require ongoing use. While avoidance measures can help, they aren’t always practical, especially for those sensitive to common allergens like pollen or dust.
For individuals dealing with severe or multiple allergies, as well as frequent mild allergic reactions, allergy shots provide a long-term solution. By gradually building tolerance to allergens, they can significantly reduce allergic symptoms over time. This makes immunotherapy an excellent option for those who don’t find relief with traditional treatments or face multiple triggers.
Take Control of Your Allergies Today
Allergy shots provide a lasting solution for individuals struggling with persistent allergies by addressing their root causes and offering long-term relief from symptoms. Dr. Lisa Hutto and her dedicated team are here to guide you toward a healthier, allergy-free life.
Don't wait to reclaim your well-being—schedule an appointment with Dr. Hutto today to explore our immunotherapy services and start your path toward better days.
