If you suffer from seasonal, perennial, or pet allergies, then you know how miserable it can be trying to manage your allergy symptoms. An over-the-counter medication such as Zyrtec or Claritin may reduce the severity of the symptoms, but it’s not changing the way your body reacts to the allergen. Depending on the type of allergy you have, you can actually train your body to become less allergic!
Immunotherapy is a preventive treatment for reducing the severity of your allergic reactions. We often get asked, “what is immunotherapy?” Well, it’s basically the same idea as a flu shot. Exposing yourself to small doses of the specific allergen you are allergic to can help your body see the substance as less of a threat, resulting in less severe reactions!
We invite allergy sufferers who just can’t seem to control their symptoms to learn more about immunotherapy and why it’s the best solution out there. In this blog, we will go over how this form of allergy therapy works, why it’s preferable to other treatments, and how we can help you live free from severe allergy symptoms.
Related: How to Tell the Difference Between Seasonal Allergies vs. a Cold
Immunotherapy involves administering incremental doses of a specific allergen to the patient. Gradually, the doses of the allergen increase and enable the immune system to become less and less sensitive to the substance over time. This form of allergy therapy works by promoting the production of antibodies that block the allergen. These then reduce the symptoms of an allergic reaction the next time you are exposed to it.
Allergen immunotherapy is also known to reduce rhinitis and asthma causing inflammation in allergy sufferers. Thus providing long-term relief from allergy symptoms and giving patients an improved quality of life as the allergy reactions lessen. And unlike anti-allergic drugs, immunotherapy targets the underlying cause of the disease rather than temporarily stopping the symptoms.
There are several forms of immunotherapy available that work in slightly different ways. All of them reduce allergy symptoms by helping you become resistant to the effects of an allergen. When choosing which form of immunotherapy that is best for you, it mainly comes down to your lifestyle and preferred method of taking medication.
Transdermal allergy cream, what we provide here at ShotFree Allergy, is formulated to desensitize you to problematic allergens by exposing you to small amounts of pure allergen extracts. Done on a regular basis, your body may eventually stop reacting to exposure of the allergen altogether.
This form of immunotherapy is known to be the easiest method for patients to take. Simply rub the allergy cream into the skin several times per week with refills sent to your home directly.
Allergy shots, also known as subcutaneous immunotherapy, are a common form of allergy immunotherapy. This treatment can reduce allergy symptoms and may also improve asthma symptoms in certain patients.
Injections must be administered several times per week and over the course of several years by a physician. While this is not only painful, it can be difficult and time consuming to have to go to a doctor’s office so often.
Allergy tablets and drops are a form of sublingual immunotherapy that offer a way to treat certain allergies as well. Like the other forms of therapy, tablets reduce symptoms slowly over time. Be aware, tablets only treat ragweed, grass pollen, and dust mite allergies. Where our topical cream targets perennial, seasonal, and pet allergies.
Allergy drops are another sublingual option that work the same way as tablets. Drops may seem easier to take, but the flavor is very unpleasant, making them not ideal for children or those who are sensitive to strong flavors.
Talk with your provider to see what type of immunotherapy is best for you and your specific symptoms.
We can’t say it enough! OTC medications just stop allergy symptoms, whereas immunotherapy lessens your chance of reaction. If you are wondering if you would benefit from immunotherapy, here are the factors to consider:
Ask yourself the above questions to determine if you are ready to manage your symptoms with immunotherapy.
Related: The 7 Types of Allergy Treatment and How They Work
Interested in ShotFree Allergy Transdermal Immunotherapy? We’ll give you a quick look at how it works!
First, you will schedule an online appointment and discuss your allergy symptoms with an online provider. Your provider will help you determine if you are a good candidate for transdermal allergy immunotherapy.
You will then be issued a prescription and a specialized pharmacy will mail your treatment right to your door. From there, simply apply the cream to your forearm three times per week. We recommend an annual checkup with one of our online providers to see how the cream is working for you. Be sure to keep a log of your symptoms!
Check out our FAQs to answer all of your questions about ShotFree Allergy!
Long-lasting allergy symptom relief is possible, and we can help you get there. Schedule an appointment with us to get started on your immunotherapy treatment. With no referral required, you can get started right away. Click the button below to schedule your appointment!