Winter is quickly coming to a close, and that means spring has started to peak its head around the corner. Longer days, spring break, tasty seasonal produce and blooming flowers make spring an exciting time. Unfortunately, if you’re among the 20% of the United States population who deals with hay fever (allergic rhinitis), you know that spring can also bring unpleasant allergy symptoms.
While it may seem easier to deal with spring allergies as they crop up, starting immunotherapy before allergy season can put you ahead of the curve for symptom relief. Let’s take a look at what allergy immunotherapy is and how it works.
What Is Allergy Immunotherapy?
Allergy immunotherapy is a long-term treatment focused on reducing the severity of allergic reactions to substances like grass pollens, dust mites and bee venom. During immunotherapy, your allergist will give you doses of the allergen you’re sensitive to, increasing the doses over time to reduce sensitivity.
How Does Immunotherapy Work?
There are two main types of allergy immunotherapy:
- Allergy shots. Allergy shots are the most common and effective method of immunotherapy. Your allergist will administer shots one to three times a week during a six-to-10-month buildup phase. After the buildup phase, you’ll transition into the maintenance phase, where you’ll receive shots about once a month for three to five years.
- Allergy tablets (SLIT). SLIT is a newer type of immunotherapy that uses tablets under the tongue to administer the allergens. The only forms of FDA-approved SLIT are tablets for ragweed, northern pasture grasses and dust mites. During SLIT, you will place tablets under your tongue for one to two minutes and swallow them as they dissolve. Like shots, tablets are most effective when taken for three years or longer.
Because it takes at least a few months to see symptom relief and a few years to experience the full benefits, it’s best to start allergy immunotherapy as soon as possible.
Are There Side Effects?
Allergy shots are generally safe for most people. However, since they contain small amounts of allergens, there is a chance of an allergic reaction. These shots are given in a medical office, where your allergist can closely monitor your response and quickly stop severe reactions if they arise.
Side effects of SLIT are usually mild but may include itchy mouth, throat or ears and swelling in the mouth or throat. Though rare, anaphylaxis or eosinophilic esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) can happen. Because you administer SLIT at home, it’s crucial to pay close attention to your symptoms. If you notice severe symptoms, seek emergency medical help. If you have severe reactions, your provider may recommend administering SLIT in-office.
Start Treatment Today
With effective allergy management, you can stop dreading spring and start enjoying the smell of blooming flowers along the Madison County Nature Trail. Contact North Alabama ENT Associates today to talk to one of our specialists about immunotherapy.