{"id":209,"date":"2022-01-06T21:52:48","date_gmt":"2022-01-06T21:52:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stcloudent.fm1.dev\/allergist\/allergy-immunotherapy\/"},"modified":"2023-06-06T08:46:17","modified_gmt":"2023-06-06T14:46:17","slug":"allergy-immunotherapy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/allergist\/allergy-immunotherapy\/","title":{"rendered":"Allergy Immunotherapy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [{\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What is Immunotherapy?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"People who suffer from allergies that don\u2019t respond to medical treatment may find relief from immunotherapy, a method of building tolerance to an allergen by introducing it to the body in small doses over a period of time. It is usually given as injections (allergy shots), but can also be taken orally. When ingested, it is known as sublingual immunotherapy, or allergy drops.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How Do Allergy Shots Work?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) are the most common form of immunotherapy. They can be used as a long-term treatment for seasonal, indoor and insect sting allergies. They work by getting your body used to the allergen slowly, with the hopes that you will develop an immunity or tolerance to the allergen. The process takes place in two phases, the build-up phase and the maintenance phase. The build-up phase involves a small amount of the allergen being injected into the upper arm once or twice a week for a few months. The dosage is gradually increased at each visit. The length of the build-up phase depends entirely on your body\u2019s reaction. Once you have reached the effective dose, typically the most you can handle without showing symptoms, the maintenance phase will begin. The dosage is no longer increased at each visit and the number of shots is decreased. The maintenance phase involves an allergy shot once every month for three to five years. \"\n }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"Are There Any Risks with Allergy Shots?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Since allergy shots contain a substance you are allergic to, there are some risks involved. Swelling and redness usually develop at the site of injection but are quick to clear up. Sneezing, nasal congestion and hives may develop as well as more severe reactions such as wheezing or chest-tightness. Anaphylaxis, the most serious reaction, rarely occurs.\"\n}\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Can I Expect from Allergy Shots?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Allergy symptoms will not improve overnight; symptoms will typically improve over the first year of treatment and continue to improve over the next few years. The shots may even decrease symptoms for other allergens and prevent new allergies from developing.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How Do Allergy Drops Work? \",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"The principle of allergy drops is the same as allergy shots. It is a long-term treatment that decreases symptoms by increasing the body\u2019s immunity. The patient drips liquid containing allergens under the tongue and holds it there for one to two minutes before swallowing. This is a more convenient option than allergy shots for many patients because allergy drops can be safely administered at home rather than at the doctor\u2019s office. The dose varies by patient depending on several factors, including severity of allergies and sensitivity to allergy drop dosages. Patients generally self-administer treatments between three and seven days per week for an average of three to five years. The goal is to build up the body\u2019s immunity to allergens so the patient no longer experiences symptoms once the treatment is over.\"\n}\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"Are There Any Risks with Allergy Drops?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Like all medical procedures, there are possible risks and side effects. However, these are generally mild, ranging from localized itching in the mouth to intestinal discomfort, which often goes away after several weeks.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Can I Expect from Allergy Drops?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Allergy drops are an important new treatment option for patients constantly refilling over-the-counter allergy medications or taking daily trips to the doctor\u2019s office for allergy shots. Currently, allergy drops are effective for treating asthma related to dust mites, as well as allergies to grass, ragweed, pet dander and tree pollen. Researchers hope to expand the treatment\u2019s effectiveness for other allergies such as hay fever, eczema and food sensitivities.\"\n }\n }\n ]\n  }\n<\/script>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Allergy-Treatment-Immunotherapy-1536x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"Blue glove holding allergy immunotherapy treatment vial\" class=\"wp-image-571\" title=\"Allergy Treatment Immunotherapy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Allergy-Treatment-Immunotherapy-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Allergy-Treatment-Immunotherapy-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Allergy-Treatment-Immunotherapy.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>People who suffer from allergies that don\u2019t respond to medical treatment may find relief from immunotherapy, a method of building tolerance to an allergen by introducing it to the body in small doses over a period of time. It is usually given as injections (allergy shots), but can also be taken orally. When ingested, it is known as sublingual immunotherapy or allergy drops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Allergy Shots Q &amp; A<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do allergy shots work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Allergy shots increase your tolerance to bothersome allergens. By injecting gradually increasing doses of the offending allergen extract, the immune system&nbsp;builds up a tolerance to that allergen. You can think of each shot as adding a brick to the \u201cwall of protection\u201d against things that trigger your allergies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which allergies can allergy shots treat?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Allergy shots can\u2019t treat all allergies, but they can help those with allergies to several different pollens, including grasses, trees and weeds. They are also beneficial for molds, house dust mites, cockroaches and pet dander. Allergy shots do not treat food allergies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long do you have to be on allergy shots?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It can take six months to reach a maintenance dose and six to 12 months to feel symptom relief. The time may be longer if there are allergy reactions, if you are highly allergic or if the injections are not received on a regular basis. It is important to follow the recommended schedule. If you anticipate regular injections cannot be maintained, immunotherapy should not be started. Immunotherapy may be discontinued at the discretion of your doctor if the injections are frequently missed, as there is an increased risk of reactions under these circumstances. Most immunotherapy patients continue treatment for three to five years. During treatment, patients are required to see their doctor every six to 12 months.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should I get allergy shots?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After you have been allergy-tested and diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, our physicians use a three-tier approach for treatment: avoidance, medication and immunotherapy. Avoidance is the first step to treatment. Using medications like antihistamines and nasal sprays is the second step. The third step is immunotherapy. Allergy shots have been proven effective against inhalant allergies; however, they are not used for food allergies. If any of the following applies to you, then you may be a candidate for allergy shots:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>If the medications to control your symptoms (i.e., antihistamines, decongestants) do not work very well.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the medication used to control your symptoms produces too many side effects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If complications (i.e., sinus infections, ear infections) develop.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If medications control your symptoms, but your symptoms flare back up every time you try to reduce your medications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you can\u2019t effectively avoid things that trigger your allergies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you would rather take a series of allergy shots than daily medications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you would rather treat the actual problem rather than use medications to control symptoms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How effective are allergy shots?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Allergy shots are the most commonly used and most effective form of allergy immunotherapy. According to the National Institute of Health, 85% of people with allergic rhinitis will benefit from allergy shots within the first year, lessening their symptoms and need for medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are allergy shots&nbsp;safe?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, allergy shots are safe, but they are associated with some risks. This is because a substance to which you are known to be allergic is being injected into you. The most common is a local reaction. Local reactions are usually restricted to a small area of itching, redness or swelling around the site of injection. These are more likely to occur as you reach higher concentrations and higher volume injections. Reactions may occur several hours after the injection. The risk of a serious allergic reaction is rare but may include serious life-threatening anaphylaxis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of the time, a shot of epinephrine will relieve symptoms. Serious allergic reactions normally occur within 30 minutes. As a result, patients are required to remain in the office for 20\u201330 minutes after their shots are given for observation. Less frequently, patients may have a delayed reaction outside of 30 minutes. All patients undergoing allergy immunotherapy are required to fill a prescription for epinephrine (EPIPEN\u00ae), which they bring to each allergy injection appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will my insurance pay for allergy shots?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Generally, allergy shots are a covered service. We encourage you to contact your insurance provider to confirm the benefits available to you. If your insurance company determines a particular service is not covered due to policy provisions or is determined not reasonable and necessary under your insurance contract, the balance remaining will be your responsibility. Your insurance company may require deductibles and coinsurance. We advise you to contact your insurance provider to verify your benefits. If you require action on our part, contact us to discuss your needs. We may use the following CPT codes for allergy treatment: 95115 (single shot), 95117 (multiple shots) and 95165 (vial preparation).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If at any time during the course of your immunotherapy you develop a new medical condition, you become pregnant or you start a new medication, you must inform us. In particular, some high blood pressure or heart medications and certain antidepressants cannot be taken with allergy shots. You should not get your allergy shot if you have a fever, rash, asthma symptoms, or increased allergy symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Allergy Drops<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Allergy drops, also known as sublingual immunotherapy, are a more effective treatment than over-the-counter pills because,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3317104\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">like allergy shots<\/a>, they combat the cause of allergies rather than the symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is SLIT (sublingual immunotherapy)?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It is a method of treating allergies by placing a mixture of antigens, for which you tested positive, under the tongue once daily. This desensitizes or \u201cre-educates\u201d the body\u2019s immune system so that it does not overreact to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is SLIT FDA approved?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Currently, the Food and Drug Administration has not given approval for antigens to be administered to patients in this way. The FDA has approved and labeled allergy antigens to be used in the form of injections and sublingual tablets. Therefore, the sublingual immunotherapy drops will be considered an off-label use of the antigen, which is both legal and very common (just as physicians prescribe blood pressure medication for a migraine).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does it cost?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SLIT is not covered by health insurance; therefore, you will be fully responsible for the treatment cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Estimated Cost: $225 every three months ($75\/month) for three to five years. *This is an estimated cost and is subject to change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long will a treatment vial last?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your vial will last 12 weeks. You should make a note on your calendar to reorder nine weeks after you start your vial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When will I see improvement in my symptoms?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It may take three to six months to see symptom improvement, and your treatment will last three to five years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does it need to be refrigerated?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No. You may keep the vial near your toothbrush to remind you to take the drops daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does it taste?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The drops have a slightly sweet taste due to the glycerin content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When should I not take my drops?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Please skip your daily dose if you have a fever, wheezing or if you have any open sores in your mouth. Do not dose on days you have dental procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some common side effects?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Common side effects of SLIT include itching of mouth or tongue, swelling of mouth or tongue, sneezing, itching in the ears, throat irritation and soreness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The risk of a serious reaction to treatment (anaphylaxis, or throat tightness, wheezing, hives and low blood pressure) is extremely rare. You will be given a prescription for an EPIPEN\u00ae to take in the event of a severe reaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is it safe to continue taking these drops if I become pregnant?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Please contact us in the event you become pregnant during immunotherapy. In most cases, you may continue taking sublingual drops if you become pregnant, but you should not begin immunotherapy during pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><p class=\"content-cta\">\r\n<span>Call St. Cloud Ear, Nose &#038; Throat for more information or to schedule an appointment.<\/span>\r\n<a href=\"tel:+13202520233\" class=\"phone \"><span class=\"phone-number\">(320) 252-0233<\/span><\/a>\r\n<svg class=\"content-cta-accent\" width=\"742\" height=\"74\" viewBox=\"0 0 742 74\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path opacity=\"0.5\" d=\"M1 28C1 28 88.2316 51.1442 313.093 62.5852C537.955 74.0261 741 72.9747 741 72.9747\" stroke=\"white\"\/>\n<path opacity=\"0.5\" d=\"M1 1C1 1 88.2316 35.4592 313.093 52.4935C537.955 69.5277 741 67.9623 741 67.9623\" stroke=\"white\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n\r\n<\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>People who suffer from allergies that don\u2019t respond to medical treatment may find relief from immunotherapy, a method of building tolerance to an allergen by introducing it to the body in small doses over a period of time. It is usually given as injections (allergy shots), but can also be taken orally. When ingested, it&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":206,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"[phone format=&quot;&lt;phone&gt;&quot;] | People who suffer from allergies that don\u2019t respond to medical treatment may find relief from immunotherapy. Contact us to learn more.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"service_tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/209"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=209"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/209\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/206"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=209"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"service_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stcloudent.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/service_tags?post=209"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}