Immunotherapy - Allergy Shots and Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)
Immunotherapy is a long terms treatment of allergies that is done to reduce or stop allergy symptoms.
A small amount of specific allergen that you are allergic to is given at regular intervals of time to stimulate your immune system. Over time this treatment leads to decrease in your allergy symptoms.
Immunotherapy is available in sublingual form (SLIT - tablets that melt under the tongue) that are used daily and allergy injections (Allergy Shots) that are given weekly for the first 3-6 months and monthly thereafter. The immunotherapy treatment is 3-5 years.
Why it's done?
Immunotherapy may be a good treatment choice for you if:
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Allergy medications don't control your symptoms well, and you can't avoid the things that cause your allergic reactions
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Allergy medications interact with other medications you need to take or cause bothersome side effects
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You want to reduce your long-term use of allergy medication
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You're allergic to insect stings
Immunotherapy can be used to control symptoms triggered by:
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Seasonal allergies.
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Indoor allergens.
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Insect stings.
Allergy symptoms won't stop overnight. They usually improve during the first year of treatment, but the most noticeable improvement often happens during the second year. After a few years of successful treatment, some people don't have significant allergy problems even after allergy shots are stopped.