Does allergy immunotherapy really work?

Allergy shots are usually a very effective way of treating chronic allergies. It may take some time, but most people find that regular shots can help them when other common treatments haven’t worked. Studies show that 85\% of people who suffer from hay fever see a reduction in their symptoms when they receive shots.

What are risks of allergy immunotherapy?

You may develop sneezing, nasal congestion or hives. More-severe reactions may include throat swelling, wheezing or chest tightness. Anaphylaxis is a rare life-threatening reaction to allergy shots.

How long does immunotherapy take to work for allergies?

Some patients will notice an early improvement of symptoms within several weeks during the build up phase, but it may take as long as 6 to 12 months on the maintenance dose to see a significant improvement. The effectiveness of immunotherapy is related to the strength of allergy vaccines and the length of treatment.

Can allergy be cured permanently?

Can allergies be cured? Allergies can’t be cured, but symptoms can be controlled using a combination of avoidance measures and medications, as well as allergen immunotherapy in properly selected cases.

Does immunotherapy for allergies weaken immune system?

If you have hay fever, or are allergic to dust mites or animals, immunotherapy can be used to weaken your body’s response to the substance causing the allergy, known as the allergen. This treatment allows the immune system to “get used to” (become desensitized to) the allergen.

Are allergies an autoimmune disease?

“In autoimmunity, there is a different type of T-cell involved than in allergies. In an autoimmune response, tissue destruction occurs. With allergies, the immune system overreacts to harmless allergens. Interestingly, this is the same type of response that expels viruses, parasites, and bacteria from the body.”

Do allergies mean weak immune system?

A direct answer to this question is yes – allergies can indeed weaken your immune system. Although having allergies doesn’t cause you to have a cold or flu, your allergy treatment is a factor that makes you vulnerable to other sicknesses.

What is the success rate for immunotherapy?

15-20\% of patients achieve durable results with immunotherapy.

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