Immunotherapy is the process of giving an allergic patient small calculated doses of the things that they are allergic to (allergens). As the dose is slowly increased the body begins to build tolerance to those allergens.
Immunotherapy can be provided either with shots or with sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).
Benefits of immunotherapy
- Can markedly reduce allergy symptoms and decrease the need for multiple allergy medications
- Often can reduce or eliminate the most common allergy symptom: fatigue
- Immunotherapy truly makes the body less allergic: allergy testing after immunotherapy has been performed will result in decreased or absent reactivity
Allergy shots
- Immunotherapy shot doses are calculated based off of allergy testing results
- Immunotherapy shots are usually begun weekly
- Allergy shots are performed in the office to assure maximum safety
- Symptom relief often begins within 3-6 months
- Shots are given year-around to build the body’s tolerance, even if the allergies are seasonal
- Most patients require immunotherapy for 3 years or more to build lasting benefit
- Some patients may be able to wean off shots after 3 – 5 years with a lasting benefit, others may need to continue immunotherapy long-term to maintain a benefit
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)
- SLIT is administered through drops or dissolvable tablets placed underneath the tongue
- SLIT can be performed at home administered by the patient or parent
- SLIT has been extensively performed in Europe and has been found to be a safe and effective alternative to shots
Call Mt. Hood ENT & Allergy at (503) 257-3204 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
References:
American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. One Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314-3357, 1-703-836-4444
American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, 11130 Sunrise Valley Drive, St. 100, Reston, VA 20191