At the very least, allergies can be annoying; at worst, they can be life threatening. Also known as allergen immunotherapy, allergy shots may be recommended to help manage symptoms and desensitize a patient to their specific allergen(s). Further, there are several different types of allergy shots which may be used to treat patients who suffer from allergies.
At ENTFPSS, our skilled allergy and asthma specialists have over five decades of experience in treating allergies. In addition to allergy shots and drops, we also offer medications and minimally invasive nasal procedures which can help provide relief from allergy symptoms. If you’re ready to find an appropriate and effective course of treatment for your allergies, give us a call at 215-659-8805 to arrange an appointment.
What Are the Different Types of Allergy Shots?
Allergy shots have proven efficacy in treating seasonal allergies such as hay fever, as well as year-round indoor allergies – such as to dust mites, mold or pet dander. This in-office treatment can also be used to help patients who are allergic to insect bites or stings build a resistance to their particular allergen(s).
Much like vaccines, allergy shots work by exposing the body to very small amounts of an allergen in gradually increasing doses over time. As the body begins to develop a resistance and eventually a tolerance to an allergen, different types of allergy shots are given. Generally, a patient will receive two phases of shots:
- Build-Up Allergy Shots – During this phase, which typically lasts 3-6 months, injections with increasing amounts of allergens are administered. It is common for shots to be given once or twice a week during the build-up phase; however, a more rapid schedule may sometimes be used.
- Maintenance Allergy Shots – Once the appropriate dosage for the patient has been achieved, the maintenance phase begins. The most effective dose will vary depending on the severity of the patient’s allergy and how they respond to the build-up injections. Typically, the injections become more spaced out – around 2-4 weeks apart – once the maintenance dose is reached.
In some cases, cortisone-type shots may be given to help decrease allergy symptoms. However, this treatment method does not fall under the category of allergen immunotherapy.
Learn More About Immunotherapy Treatment for Allergies at ENTFPSS
If you’re fed up with allergies, Dr. Goldberg and the rest of the ENTFPSS team are here to help you get your symptoms under control. To learn more about the different types of allergy shots and other available treatment options which may help address your unique symptoms, call us at 215-659-8805 to set up an in-person or telehealth appointment.
