Allergy Treatments

Avoiding allergens and taking medications to relieve symptoms or control an allergic reaction may offer temporary relief. However, if left untreated, allergies can worsen over time. Immunotherapy is recommended as a long-term treatment option.

Immunotherapy

When allergens cannot be avoided, or when symptoms are severe, immunotherapy is used to decrease allergic sensitivity. Immunotherapy typically involves a series of injections, commonly referred to as “allergy shots.”

Immunotherapy begins with the Build-Up Phase and is followed by the Maintenance Phase.

• Build-Up Phase:
  During this phase, injections are given 1-3 times a week. The goal is to gradually increase the dosage at each visit, helping your body become more tolerant to the allergen. The build-up phase typically lasts 4-6 months, or about 26 visits on average, until the maintenance dose is reached.
• Maintenance Phase:
  Once the build-up phase is complete, injections are given every 3-4 weeks. This phase continues for an extended period to ensure long-term symptom relief.

How Effective Is Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is most effective in individuals with proven significant allergic sensitivities. It works best for those who can continue the maintenance dose for an extended time. Immunotherapy is the only treatment that can modify the underlying mechanism responsible for the progressive increase in allergy symptoms.

The goals of immunotherapy include:

• Preventing increased sensitivity to allergens and allergy-induced asthma.
• Gradually reducing allergic sensitivity.
• Reducing the need for medications to control allergy symptoms.
• Enabling normal activities and improving quality of life.

How Long Should Therapy Continue?

The average duration of immunotherapy is 5 years at the maintenance dose, but this may vary depending on individual circumstances. Progress is evaluated at least once a year. For residents of the Willamette Valley who are allergic to grass pollen, the course of therapy may be longer due to high seasonal exposure.

We aim for at least one year of being symptom-free and relatively medication-free before considering discontinuing therapy. We also recommend repeating skin tests after 5 years to reassess your condition.

Reactions

• Local Reactions:
  Local reactions are common and may include redness, itching, swelling, or soreness at the injection site. These reactions typically last less than 24 hours, resolve on their own, and usually don’t interfere with daily activities. Pretreatment with antihistamines is recommended to help with itching, and ice can help reduce swelling or soreness.
• Systemic Reactions:
  Systemic reactions are rare but can occur after your injection. They may include symptoms such as:
  • Hay Fever: Red, itchy eyes, increased nasal symptoms, or sneezing.
  • Asthma: Chest or throat tightness, coughing, or wheezing.
  • Skin: Rashes, hives, or generalized itching.
  • Angioedema: Swelling around the eyes, lips, or tongue.
  • Other: Rarely, anxiety or gastrointestinal symptoms can occur.

It is essential to receive allergy injections in a medical facility staffed by trained personnel with a licensed provider and proper equipment to treat any unexpected reactions. If a systemic reaction occurs, it should be treated as soon as possible, as medications like epinephrine (adrenaline) are most effective when used early. We will prescribe epinephrine for emergency use and train you on how to administer it before your first injection.

You will be required to stay in the office for at least 30 minutes after each injection so we can monitor you for any potential reactions.