Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots)

Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots)

Allergy immunotherapy is a long-term treatment for allergies. Allergy immunotherapy works by changing how your immune system responds to allergens (the things you are allergic to). Examples of allergens include tree, weed and grass pollens, pet dander, mold spores and dust mites.

Allergy immunotherapy works differently than over-the-counter medications or most prescription allergy medications. These medications, including nasal sprays, antihistamines and eye drops, help to treat the symptoms caused by your allergies such as nasal congestion, sneezing and itchy/irritated eyes. Research has demonstrated that over time allergy immunotherapy helps to “teach” your immune system not to react too strongly to the allergens that cause your symptoms. After undergoing allergy immunotherapy your immune system no longer tries to “attack” the allergen. This means that you have fewer allergy symptoms and can stop many, if not all, of your allergy medications. There are two forms of allergy immunotherapy, allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) and allergy tablets or drops (sublingual immunotherapy).

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