Allergy Shots

Allergy immunotherapy, also called “allergy shots,” is prescribed to modify the immune system’s response to allergens with the goal of minimizing and/or preventing an allergen initiated inflammatory response.

This therapy is approved for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, allergic asthma, stinging insect hypersensitivity and atopic dermatitis (Allergen immunotherapy: A practice parameter third update 2010).

Patients who should consider allergy immunotherapy include those with

Moderate to severe allergies
Allergies poorly controlled with medications
Adverse reactions to medications used to treat allergies
Animal allergy and desire to more comfortably be around pets
Allergen-induced asthma
Allergen-induced sinusitis
Allergen-induced atopic dermatitis
Stinging insect (bee, wasp, hornet, yellow jacket) allergy
Desire for “natural” treatment with goal of reduction in need for related medications

Potential benefits of allergy immunotherapy include

Reduce need for allergy medications
Reduce development of new allergies
Reduce allergen-induced sinusitis
Reduce allergen-induced asthma symptoms
Prevent asthma
Improvement in allergy symptoms that persists for years after discontinuation of immunotherapy

Risks of allergy immunotherapy include

Local allergic reaction consisting of redness and swelling in area of injection
Systemic allergic reaction consisting of itchiness, rash, swelling including throat, trouble breathing, nausea/vomiting, lightheadedness; very rarely, systemic allergic reactions can be life-threatening

Should your history and test results suggest that you may benefit from allergen immunotherapy, Dr. Davé will prescribe immunotherapy that is individualized to your particular allergenic sensitivities as revealed by allergy testing.

With immunotherapy, you will receive subcutaneous injections in the arm during the build-up (more frequent injections) and the maintenance (less frequent injections) phases. Typically, courses of immunotherapy range 3-5 years.

Patients usually experience benefit after several months of treatment.

Further particulars about allergen immunotherapy will be discussed with you if you are a candidate for this therapy.

Please note that Board Certified Allergists & Immunologists are considered the experts in allergen immunotherapy.

For more information, please visit the AAAAI section on allergy immunotherapy.

Conditions Treated

Allergy Shots

Allergy immunotherapy, also called “allergy shots,” is prescribed to modify the immune system’s response to allergens with the goal of minimizing and/or preventing an allergen initiated inflammatory response.
Allergy Drops & Tablets

Allergy drops, and tablets are two forms of sublingual immunotherapy that are injection-free alternatives to allergy shots. Both contain environmental allergen such as pollen, dust mites, molds, cat, or dog.
Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung condition that usually starts in childhood but can occur at any age. Allergists are considered the experts in asthma and diagnose this condition by history, exam and breathing tests of the airways.
Allergy & Sinus

Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common chronic conditions in the US. Individuals with allergic rhinitis develop allergy antibodies (IgE) targeted against allergens including pollen, animal proteins, dust mites, mold, and insect droppings.
Food Allergy

Food allergy affects 5% of children and 4% of adults in the United States and is defined as an adverse health event that is immune mediated and occurs reproducibly. Individuals with IgE mediated food allergy develop allergy antibodies (IgE) targeted against food allergens.
Allergic Rashes

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder that usually starts at age < 5 years. It is characterized by itchy skin that becomes inflamed with scratching. For this reason, atopic dermatitis is known as the “itch that rashes.”
Other Conditions