Immunotherapy Specialist

What is immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, are injections Dr. Geller and Dr. Chan give you at regular intervals over a 3- to 5-year period to reduce or eliminate allergy symptoms. The injections contain just the right dose of allergens to stimulate your immune system but not enough to cause severe allergic reactions.

Over time your provider boosts the dosage of allergens you receive to induce desensitization. Your immune system eventually builds up a tolerance to allergens, which reduces allergy symptoms.

What are the symptoms of allergies?

Some allergy symptoms immunotherapy helps reduce include:

• Hives or skin rashes
• A stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing or chest tightness
• Skin inflammation
• Red watery eyes
• Itchy or irritated skin
• Facial and throat swelling

If you suffer from these or other allergy symptoms and allergy medications haven’t worked for you — or you’d like to avoid long-term allergy medicine use — you might be a good candidate for immunotherapy.

Which allergens cause reactions?

Immunotherapy isn’t usually recommended for food allergies but is helpful if you have seasonal allergies, indoor allergies, or are allergic to insect bites. For example, allergy injections can help reduce symptoms caused by environmental allergens such as:

• Pollen
• Grasses or trees
• Weeds
• Dust mites
• Mold
• Pet dander
• Insect stings

Before receiving allergy shots, Dr. Geller and Dr. Chan can conduct more comprehensive allergy testing to determine which substances you’re allergic to.

What can I expect during immunotherapy treatment?

The skilled and experienced team at Allergy & Clinical Immunology Medical Group lets you know how often to schedule allergy shots based on which allergens you’re allergic to and the severity of your condition. 

A typical allergy shot regimen consists of receiving injections 1-3 times weekly during a buildup phase and once a month during a maintenance phase of 3-5 years or longer. If you’re seeking rapid relief, ask Dr. Geller or Dr. Chan about allergy cluster shots, or rapid desensitization,  that can utilize a more aggressive regimen.

Your allergist lets you know if you’re a good candidate for allergy shots based on your medical history and medications you’re taking. When you’re ready for long-term allergy symptom relief, call Allergy & Clinical Immunology Medical Group today or use the convenient online scheduler.