Immunotherapy means allergy shots. Allergy shots are a very effective way to treat allergies. An allergy shot is made up of what you are allergic to. The injections educate the immune system to tolerate exposure to different allergens. In this way, you are able to do what you want to do without suffering from allergies. The injections actually work like a vaccine, allowing you to tolerate exposure to the allergen.
Allergy shots are given in differing schedules depending on each patient. A typical schedule is for an individual to receive one or two injections weekly for six months to one year, then the frequency of the injections are spread out to every six weeks with time. The schedule goes from weekly to every other week, to every third week, fourth week, fifth week then every sixth week an injection is given. After five years, 90% of patients are free from their allergies for life. By receiving the injections for five years, the protective benefits can last a patient’s lifetime.
Who is a likely candidate?
Allergy injections are for patients who have any of the following problems:
- Suffer from allergies
- Cannot avoid exposure to the allergens
- Are run down and fatigued due to allergies
- Need medications to control their allergies
- Medications are not effective in controlling their allergies
- Want to reduce the use of medications
- Have problems with asthma when exposed to their allergens
- Suffer from chronic sinus infections or ear infections influenced by allergies
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