Immunotherapy Against Allergies

Filed in archive Allergy: Diagnostics and Treatment on April 23, 2006

Most of us with allergies make do with over-the-counter and prescription medicines to deal with our allergies. Those who suffer from worse symptoms or longer-than-"normal" periods undergo what is called immunotherapy, wherein a patient receives a series of allergy shots to increase his tolerance to that substance to which he is allergic to. The shots are given in gradually increasing doses and the whole regimen may take several months, to be monitored over a few years.

Some of us do not have the luxury of time to go frequently to the doctor. Luckily, there are other options. One may opt for a shorter, more rigorous version of the immunotherapy, or other forms of delivery, such as intranasal or oral.

Check out this primer from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology to know if immunotherapy may be right for you. NBC30 also has a video featuring an allergy patient opting to go for an oral therapy.

Note that immunotherapy is not applicable to all allergies. As always, best is to ask directly from your allergist what options are best for your allergy treatment.