Allergy Immunotherapy Services

Allergen Immunotherapy Services

If allergies are disrupting your daily life and medications only provide short-term relief, allergen immunotherapy may offer a long-term solution. Allergen immunotherapy works by gradually reducing your immune system’s sensitivity to specific allergens, helping address the root cause of allergic reactions rather than simply masking symptoms. You can learn more about this approach in allergen immunotherapy as a long-term solution.

At Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy, our allergy specialists provide personalized immunotherapy treatment plans designed around each patient’s triggers, symptoms, and lifestyle. For many people, immunotherapy leads to fewer symptoms, reduced reliance on medication, and lasting improvement over time.

What Is Allergen Immunotherapy?

Allergen immunotherapy is a medically proven treatment that helps the immune system become less reactive to allergens. Instead of avoiding triggers or relying solely on antihistamines and nasal sprays, immunotherapy trains the immune system to tolerate allergens through controlled, repeated exposure.

This approach makes allergen immunotherapy one of the most effective options for patients with chronic, seasonal, or hard-to-control environmental allergies.

How Does Allergen Immunotherapy Work?

When someone with allergies is exposed to an allergen, their immune system overreacts by releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause symptoms like sneezing, congestion, itching, and watery eyes.

Allergen immunotherapy gradually exposes the immune system to small, increasing doses of allergens. Over time, this process helps shift the immune response from reactive to tolerant.

Immunotherapy works in two key ways:

• It encourages the production of regulatory T cells that calm the allergic immune response.
• It helps the body develop “blocking antibodies” that prevent allergens from triggering symptoms.

Because immunotherapy changes how the immune system responds, its benefits can last even after treatment ends.

Types of Allergies Treated With Immunotherapy

Allergen immunotherapy is commonly recommended when medications and avoidance strategies are not enough. It can be effective for a wide range of environmental allergies, including:

Seasonal Allergies

Immunotherapy can help treat allergies caused by tree pollen, grass pollen, and weeds, which often trigger seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

Dust Mite Allergies

Dust mites are common indoor allergens found in bedding, carpets, and furniture. Managing exposure is important, especially in environments where indoor allergens can build up.

Pet Allergies

Proteins found in pet dander can cause persistent allergic reactions. Immunotherapy may help patients tolerate exposure to cats, dogs, and other animals more comfortably.

Mold Allergies

Mold spores thrive in damp or humid environments and can cause ongoing allergy symptoms. Immunotherapy can help desensitize the immune system to mold allergens.

Insect Sting Allergies

Immunotherapy is also used to treat allergies to insect stings, such as bees, wasps, and hornets, significantly reducing the risk of severe reactions.

For food allergies, avoidance and emergency treatment remain the standard approach. In some cases, oral immunotherapy may be an option for certain foods, depending on individual circumstances.

Types of Allergen Immunotherapy Treatments

There are two primary forms of allergen immunotherapy, each designed to reduce allergic sensitivity over time.

Allergy Shots (Subcutaneous Immunotherapy – SCIT)

Allergy shots are the most established form of immunotherapy. They are administered as injections under the skin in a medical setting. If you’re considering this option, you may find helpful information in these allergy shots FAQs.

Treatment begins with a build-up phase, where injections are given weekly with gradually increasing doses. This phase typically lasts six to twelve months as the immune system gradually builds tolerance.

Once the effective dose is reached, patients move into a maintenance phase, receiving injections less frequently typically every four to six weeks.

Allergy shots are often recommended for patients with moderate to severe allergies or complex allergy profiles.

Allergy Drops (Sublingual Immunotherapy – SLIT)

Allergy drops are a needle-free alternative to injections. They involve placing allergen drops or tablets under the tongue daily, usually at home.

Like allergy shots, allergy drops work by gradually desensitizing the immune system. They are often preferred by patients who want a more convenient or non-invasive treatment option.

Your allergy specialist will help determine which form of immunotherapy is best suited to your needs.

Are There Side Effects of Allergen Immunotherapy?

Allergen immunotherapy is generally safe when prescribed and monitored by an allergy specialist. Side effects are typically mild and most common during the early stages of treatment.

Possible side effects include:

• Redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site (more common with allergy shots)
• Mild sneezing, congestion, or throat irritation
• Temporary mouth or throat irritation with allergy drops

Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible, particularly with allergy shots, which is why injections are given in a controlled medical environment. Your provider will monitor your response and adjust treatment as needed to ensure safety.

How Long Does Allergen Immunotherapy Take to Work?

Allergen immunotherapy is a gradual process. Some patients begin to notice symptom improvement within six months, while others experience more significant relief after one year or longer.

Because immunotherapy works by changing the immune response, completing the full course of treatment is important. Stopping treatment too early may reduce its long-term effectiveness.

Many patients continue to experience symptom relief even after immunotherapy is completed.

Is Allergen Immunotherapy Right for You?

Allergen immunotherapy may be a good option if you:

• Have persistent allergy symptoms despite medication
• Want a long-term solution rather than temporary relief
• Experience side effects or limited benefit from allergy medications
• Have allergy-related asthma symptoms
• Want to reduce long-term medication use

An allergy specialist can evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and allergy testing results to determine if immunotherapy is appropriate.

Allergen Immunotherapy at Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy

At Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy, we offer comprehensive allergy care, including testing, diagnosis, allergen immunotherapy, and long-term management. Our board-certified allergy specialists work closely with patients to create personalized treatment plans focused on lasting relief.

If allergies are affecting your quality of life and current treatments aren’t enough, allergen immunotherapy may help. Schedule an appointment today.

Allergen Immunotherapy FAQs

Does allergen immunotherapy cure allergies?

Immunotherapy doesn’t cure allergies, but it can significantly reduce symptoms and improve tolerance long-term.

How effective is allergen immunotherapy?

Most patients experience meaningful symptom reduction and decreased medication use over time.

How long does allergen immunotherapy last after stopping?

Many patients maintain symptom relief for years after completing treatment.

Is allergen immunotherapy safe for children?

Yes. Allergen immunotherapy may be appropriate for children, depending on age, allergy severity, and treatment type.

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