Decrease Allergy Symptoms with Immunotherapy in Los Angeles
Culver City Sinus Relief
Allergen Immunotherapy
Allergen immunotherapy is a form of long-term preventive treatment for allergic reactions to different substances. Allergen immunotherapy decreases symptoms, such as grass pollens, dust, and bee venom. It involves gradually increasing doses of the substance that the person is allergic to and this causes the immune system to become less sensitive to the substance. This results in blocking the antibody that reduces the symptoms of the allergy when the patient is exposed to the substance in the future. In addition, allergen immunotherapy decreases the symptoms of rhinitis, asthma, conjunctivitis (eye allergy), and stinging insect allergy. However, allergen immunotherapy is not used for treating food allergies.
How is the Allergen Immunotherapy Process?
Before the treatment process begins, the doctor and patient will work together in determining the trigger factors for the allergy symptoms. This is done by performing skin or blood tests that determine the specific allergens for the patient. It is important to know that the best candidates for immunotherapy in Culver City are those who seem to be sensitive to several allergens.
Next, the allergen immunotherapy process can begin once the doctor identifies the allergen. This is done by extracting a small amount of the allergen and injecting it into the skin. This is typically done on the arm. The treatment is usually done about once a week for about 30 weeks, and once that is fulfilled, injections can be given every two weeks. Later down the line, the injections can be given every four weeks. The entire treatment process may take three to five years, or sometimes even longer. The duration of the treatment process varies from patient to patient.
Who Can Benefit From Allergy Shots?
Children and adults can benefit from allergen immunotherapy; however, it is not recommended for children under the age of five. This is due to the fact that younger children have more trouble cooperating with the ongoing treatment plan and may be unable to identify the symptoms that they may be experiencing. As for adults, medical conditions such as cardiac disease should be taken into account and discussed with your doctor prior to trying it out.
Here are some considerations that your doctor will discuss with you in which your decision will be based on:
- Duration of allergy season and severity of your symptoms
- How well medications are controlling your symptoms, as well as environmental controls
- Willingness to commit to treatment
- Desire in avoiding long-term medication use
- Cost (dependent on the area in which you live and insurance coverage)
How Effective is Immunotherapy?
The effectiveness of allergen immunotherapy is typically dependent on the length of the treatment program, as well as the dose of the allergen. In addition, it varies from patient to patient. Some people experience long term relief from their allergy symptoms and others suffer relapses after they have discontinued treatment.
Here are some factors that can result in failing to respond to allergen immunotherapy:
- Insufficient dosages of the allergen in the vaccine
- Missing allergens not identified during the initial examination
- High levels of the allergen in the environment
- Exposure to non-allergic triggers, such as tobacco smoke
Risks of Allergen Immunotherapy
After receiving allergen immunotherapy, patients typically experience redness and swelling in the injection site. It can occur immediately or many hours after the treatment. In addition, it is possible for symptoms to result in increased allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, congestion, or hives.
Although they are rare, serious reactions may occur. When serious reactions do arise, immediate medical attention is required. For instance, anaphylactic symptoms may occur, such as swelling in the throat, wheezing, tightness in the chest, nausea, and dizziness. If serious reactions were to arise, they typically develop within 30 minutes of the allergen immunotherapy treatment. When receiving allergen immunotherapy, your doctor will recommend that you wait in the doctor’s office for at least 30 minutes after the treatment.
Contact Us For Immunotherapy in Culver City
If you are interested in allergy shots in Culver City, our team of experienced doctors have been performing this treatment for many years. We are here to help you every step of the way with efforts in eliminating and/or decreasing your allergy symptoms. Feel free to contact our team for immunotherapy in Culver City today.