Allergen Immunotherapy: A Long-Term Solution for Relief

For many people with seasonal, pet or perennial allergies, a regimen of medications, avoidance strategies and environmental controls may not be enough to keep symptoms under control. When these measures fall short, allergen immunotherapy offers a long-term solution that can change the course of the disease, providing lasting relief.

Allergen immunotherapy works by gradually retraining the immune system to become less sensitive to allergens. Treatment options include subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy shots) and sublingual immunotherapy (allergy drops or tablets), both of which offer significant long-term benefits.

How Does Allergen Immunotherapy Work?

The first step in determining if immunotherapy is the right choice is accurate allergy testing. Skin testing helps identify the patient’s specific allergens, allowing for a personalized treatment approach. “After skin testing, we create a customized allergy serum tailored to each patient’s unique sensitivities,” explains Susanna Silverman, MD, a board-certified allergist and immunologist at Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy in New York City. “Allergen immunotherapy then works over a period of three to five years, with noticeable symptom improvement typically occurring within 6 to 12 months.”

There are two primary methods of allergen immunotherapy:

Allergy Shots / Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT)

• Small doses of allergens are injected into the upper arms weekly for six to eight months, followed by monthly maintenance shots for three to five years.
• These shots target multiple allergens at once, making them effective for patients with multiple triggers.

Allergy Drops or Tablets / Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)

• Drops or tablets containing allergens are placed under the tongue once a day at home for three to five years.
• Allergy drops are customized based on skin testing and created in-office to treat multiple allergens.
• Allergy tablets are pharmacy-dispensed and treat one specific allergen, such as dust mites, grass, or ragweed.

While both methods are highly effective, SLIT offers a more convenient at-home treatment for patients hesitant about allergy shots.

How Does Allergen Immunotherapy Change the Course of Allergies?

Unlike medications that only manage symptoms, allergen immunotherapy modifies the immune system’s response to allergens, providing long-term relief. During treatment, the immune system is gradually exposed to increasing amounts of allergens, allowing it to build tolerance over time. This process helps reduce or even eliminate allergic reactions to triggers such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander.

“Many patients who complete allergen immunotherapy experience lasting improvements for years, even after stopping treatment,” notes Dr. Silverman. “They often need fewer medications — or no medications at all — to manage their allergies.”

Why Consider Allergen Immunotherapy?

For patients seeking a long-term allergy solution, allergen immunotherapy provides benefits beyond symptom relief.

• Allergy Relief is Achievable. Many people don’t realize they don’t have to suffer. Allergen immunotherapy offers a scientifically proven way to dramatically reduce allergy symptoms and improve quality of life.
• Accessible Options. Patients have choices. Weekly allergy shots aren’t the only solution — take-home allergy drops and tablets offer an effective, convenient alternative with comparable results.
• Countering Pseudoscience. The allergy field is flooded with misinformation about ineffective treatments, like DNA and blood tests for allergies. Allergen immunotherapy is a clinically validated approach backed by decades of research.

Is Allergen Immunotherapy Right for You?

Allergen immunotherapy requires a commitment of several years, but for many patients, the benefits far outweigh the time investment. If you struggle with persistent allergy symptoms that medications don’t fully control, or if you prefer a long-term treatment that targets the root cause, consult an allergist to see if allergen immunotherapy is match for you.

Susanna Silverman, MD, is a board-certified allergist and immunologist at Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy. She treats both adults and children for allergies (including seasonal and pet allergies, medication allergies such as penicillin, and food allergies), asthma, hives, eczema and some immunological conditions. She tailors her evaluation and treatment of each patient to fit their specific needs. Her unique experience gives her the ability to think outside the box in trying to find the underlying cause of her patients’ symptoms.

You don’t have to suffer with allergies year after year. Schedule an appointment with one of Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy’s specialists, who perform different types of testing to determine the allergens at play and provide a customized treatment plan so you can enjoy life with fewer symptoms.

To schedule an appointment, book online or call (844) 760-3380.