Most experts are claiming this is the worst allergy season in recent history, and with good reason. Pollen counts are up, wacky weather is spurring even more allergy irritants and there seems to be little hope in sight. Or is there?
Many allergy sufferers rely on over-the-counter medications and medically prescribed prescriptions for relief. Another type of relief is available though, and becoming more popular.
Immunotherapy is a series of allergy shots over a long period of time. These shots decrease allergy symptoms including eye irritation, allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Allergy shots can decrease sensitivity to allergens and if effective, can lead to long-lasting relief from symptoms.
Immunotherapy works in two phases:
- Build-up phase: People receive an increasing amount of the allergen in an injection form. These gradual doses are given one to two times per week ranging over a period of three to six months.
- Maintenance phase: Once an effective dose is reached, a new range of time is determined, after which, more shots will be delivered. This can be anywhere between two and four weeks depending on the person and the allergies. This phase can last anywhere between three and five years.
If you are scared of needles or don't like the idea of so many shots in your future, a new oral allergy immunotherapy could be for you. Sublingual immunotherapy allergy tablets (SLIT) are administered in a liquid or tablet form under the tongue.
These tablets do not need to be administered by a medical professional, though cases do vary depending on the person and the severity of allergies.
How you choose to treat your allergy symptoms, or any changes you make, should always be discussed with a medical professional.
For more allergy prevention tips or a range of available allergy control products, visit our website.
