Immunotherapy For Allergies

If allergies are disrupting your daily life and medications only provide short-term relief, allergen immunotherapy may offer long-term symptom relief. 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 treatment option.

At Schweiger Allergy & Asthma, we offer proven allergy immunotherapy treatments. Whether you’re dealing with seasonal pollen, pet dander, dust mites, or mold, our board-certified allergists will create a personalized treatment plan to help you build lasting relief.

Ready to take control of your allergies? Book your consultation online today and find out if immunotherapy is right for you.

What Is Allergen Immunotherapy?

Allergen immunotherapy is a medical treatment that gradually retrains your immune system to stop overreacting to specific allergens. Unlike daily medications that temporarily block allergy symptoms, immunotherapy works by exposing your body to small, controlled doses of the allergen over time. This process, called desensitization, helps your immune system build tolerance so that it may trigger fewer or less severe symptoms.

Think of it as teaching your body to recognize harmless substances (like pollen or pet dander) as non-threatening, rather than launching a full allergic response every time you encounter them.

Immunotherapy is a disease-modifying treatment for certain allergic conditions that can provide relief lasting years, even after treatment ends.

How Does Allergen Immunotherapy Work?

Your allergies happen because your immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances, such as tree pollen or cat dander, as dangerous invaders. 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.

Immunotherapy works by introducing tiny amounts of the allergen into your system on a regular schedule. Over time, your immune system learns to tolerate the substance rather than attack it. This process happens in two phases:

• Build-up phase: You receive increasing doses of the allergen, typically over 3 to 6 months. This phase trains your immune system to begin tolerating the allergen.
• Maintenance phase: Once you reach an effective dose, you continue receiving that dose regularly (usually monthly) for 3 to 5 years. This phase solidifies your tolerance and provides long-term relief.

The result? Many patients experience significant symptom reduction, and some experience prolonged remission of their allergies.

Types of Allergies Treated With Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy for allergies is highly effective for a wide range of environmental and insect allergens. Here are the most common conditions we treat:

Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies (also called hay fever or allergic rhinitis) are triggered by tree, grass, and weed pollens. Immunotherapy can significantly reduce allergy symptoms and sensitivity to these seasonal triggers, so you can enjoy the outdoors year-round without constant sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion.

Dust Mite Allergies

Dust mites are microscopic insects that live in bedding, upholstery, and carpets. Their waste particles become airborne and trigger year-round allergy symptoms, especially at night or first thing in the morning. Immunotherapy helps your body stop reacting to dust mite proteins, giving you relief at home.

Pet Allergies

Pet allergies are caused by proteins found in an animal’s skin cells (dander), saliva, and urine. Immunotherapy can reduce your sensitivity to cats, dogs, and other furry pets, making it possible to live comfortably with or around pets. 

Mold Allergies

Mold spores thrive in damp environments and can trigger allergic reactions when inhaled. Whether you’re sensitive to indoor mold (like in bathrooms or basements) or outdoor mold (common in fall and spring), immunotherapy can help your immune system tolerate mold exposure without triggering symptoms.

Insect Sting Allergies

For people with severe allergies to bee, wasp, hornet, or yellow jacket stings, a single sting can cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Venom immunotherapy can provide up to 98% protection against systemic reactions to future stings.

Food Allergies

Food allergies occur when the immune system reacts to specific proteins in foods, such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, or shellfish. Unlike environmental allergies, food allergies are not typically treated with standard allergy shots. If you have a food allergy, an allergist can evaluate your symptoms and allergy history and discuss appropriate management options based on your specific condition and needs.

Immunotherapy Treatments for Allergies

We offer two main forms of immunotherapy for allergies, each with unique benefits. Your allergist will help you choose the option that best fits your lifestyle, age, and allergy profile.

Allergy Shots (Subcutaneous Immunotherapy – SCIT)

Allergy shots are the most common and well-studied form of immunotherapy. During treatment, a small amount of allergen extract is injected subcutaneously into your upper arm. Shots are given in our office, starting with weekly or twice-weekly visits during the build-up phase, which 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.

Benefits of allergy shots:

• Proven effective for a wide range of allergens, including pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, and insect venom
• Can treat multiple allergens at once
• Long-lasting results: many patients experience relief for years after completing treatment
• Covered by most insurance plans

What to expect: Each visit takes about 30 minutes, including a brief waiting period after your shot to monitor for any reaction. Most patients tolerate shots well, with only mild redness or swelling at the injection site. If you’re considering this option, you may find helpful information in these allergy shots FAQs.

Allergy Drops (Sublingual Immunotherapy – SLIT)

Sublingual immunotherapy, commonly called allergy drops or tablets, involves placing a small dose of allergen extract under your tongue daily. The allergen is absorbed through the tissue in your mouth. SLIT is typically done at home after the first dose is given under medical supervision.

Benefits of allergy drops:

• No needles: ideal for children or adults who prefer to avoid injections
• Convenient: taken at home on your own schedule
• Effective for certain allergens, including grass pollen, ragweed, and dust mites
• Lower risk of severe allergic reactions compared to shots

What to expect: You’ll place the tablet or liquid under your tongue and hold it there for 1 to 2 minutes before swallowing. Some patients experience mild itching or tingling in the mouth, which usually resolves within a few days.

Benefits of Immunotherapy for Allergies

Choosing immunotherapy means choosing long-term relief over short-term symptom management. Here’s what you can expect:

• Long-lasting symptom relief: Many patients experience improvement that continues for years, even after stopping treatment.
• Reduced medication dependence: You may be able to cut back on or eliminate daily allergy medications.
• Improved quality of life: Enjoy outdoor activities, spend time with pets, and sleep better without constant allergy symptoms.
• Cost-effective over time: While immunotherapy requires an upfront commitment, it can save money in the long run by reducing the need for medications and doctor visits.

Is Immunotherapy Right for You?

Immunotherapy for allergies isn’t for everyone, but if you meet the following criteria, it may be an excellent option:

• Your symptoms are moderate to severe and significantly impact your quality of life, work, or sleep.
• Medications aren’t enough. You’ve tried antihistamines, nasal sprays, or other allergy medications, but they don’t provide adequate relief, or you want to reduce your reliance on daily drugs.
• You have confirmed allergies. Allergy testing (skin prick test or blood test) has identified specific environmental allergens that trigger your symptoms.
• You’re committed to the timeline. Immunotherapy requires regular visits or daily dosing over several years. It’s a long-term investment in your health.
• You want to prevent progression. Immunotherapy can reduce the risk of developing new allergies or asthma in the future.

Immunotherapy may not be recommended if you:

• Have uncontrolled asthma
• Are taking certain medications, such as beta-blockers
• Have certain heart conditions or immune system disorders
• Are pregnant (though you can continue if you’ve already started treatment)

Your Schweiger allergist will review your medical history, allergy test results, and treatment goals to determine if immunotherapy is safe and appropriate for you.

Schedule your allergy consultation to find out if you’re a candidate for immunotherapy.

How Long Does Allergen Immunotherapy Take to Work?

Immunotherapy is not a quick fix, but it can deliver lasting results. Here’s a realistic timeline:

• First 3 to 6 months (build-up phase): You may start noticing subtle improvements, but most patients don’t experience significant relief during this phase. Your body is still learning to tolerate the allergen.
• 6 to 12 months: This is when most patients begin to see meaningful symptom reduction. You may notice fewer sneezing fits, less congestion, and reduced need for rescue medications.
• 1 to 3 years: Symptoms continue to improve. Many patients report feeling significantly better and using far fewer allergy medications.
• 3 to 5 years (completion of treatment): By the end of your treatment course, most patients achieve long-lasting tolerance. Studies show that benefits can persist for years after stopping immunotherapy.

Every patient responds differently, and your allergist will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Immunotherapy vs. Other Allergy Treatments: How Does It Compare?

You have options when it comes to managing allergies. Here’s how immunotherapy stacks up against other common treatments:

 

Treatment	How It Works	Benefits	Limitations
Immunotherapy	Gradually exposes your immune system to specific allergens to reduce sensitivity over time.	Addresses the underlying immune response and can provide long-term relief from environmental allergies.	Requires a longer-term treatment commitment and regular appointments or treatments.
Antihistamines & nasal sprays	Block or reduce the effects of chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.	Provide fast, temporary relief from symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and itching.	Don’t address the underlying immune response, and generally, it needs to be continued while you’re exposed to allergens.
Avoidance strategies	Reduce or eliminate exposure to known allergens by keeping windows closed or using air purifiers.	Can reduce symptoms without medication and may be useful as part of an overall allergy-management plan.	Completely avoiding environmental allergens is often difficult or impossible.
Biologics	Target specific pathways involved in the immune response.	Can be highly effective for certain severe allergic conditions, including allergic asthma and chronic hives.	Require ongoing injections and are generally reserved for specific patients or conditions. They may not be appropriate for everyone with environmental allergies.

Your allergist will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and treatment goals.

Allergy and Immunology Near You at Schweiger Allergy & Asthma

At Schweiger Allergy & Asthma, 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.

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