Allergies are widespread, affecting over 100 million adults and children in the United States each year, and their prevalence is increasing.
That’s why Srinagesh Paluvoi, MD, FAAP, FACAAI, of Allergy & Asthma Affiliates in Landsdowne and Gainesville, Virginia, provides patients with the most advanced allergy treatments, including immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy aims to bolster your body's ability to tolerate irritating allergens, reduce the likelihood of severe reactions, and can even lead to the resolution of your symptoms.
In this blog, Dr. Paluvoi explains how immunotherapy works.
Allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly identifies a typically harmless substance, such as pollen, dust, mold spores, or pet dander, as a threat. This triggers an overreaction, leading to the release of chemicals called histamines in an attempt to protect your body.
Some people develop allergies early in life, while others experience an onset in adulthood. It's also common for people with allergies to be sensitized to more than one type of allergen.
While it’s impossible to prevent most allergies from developing, a strategic management plan can minimize your risk of reactions and offer quick relief when you do encounter an allergen.
Traditional allergy management means avoiding known allergens and using medications like antihistamines or decongestants to alleviate symptoms.
Immunotherapy is designed to progressively increase your body's tolerance to the specific substances you're allergic to, aiming for a state in which you no longer experience symptoms.
It’s considered a long-term strategy because building your body's resistance takes time. However, once you become desensitized, you may not need to worry about severe or minor reactions to that allergen.
Immunotherapy can be used to reduce or resolve symptoms for various allergies, including seasonal allergies (like those to pollen and ragweed), indoor allergies (such as dust mites and animal dander), and stinging insect allergies. There are two primary forms of immunotherapy, both of which work by gradually modifying your body's immune response to an allergen:
Often referred to as allergy shots, SCIT functions similarly to vaccinations. Each injection contains a small, carefully measured amount of the allergen that triggers your symptoms—enough to stimulate your immune system but insufficient to provoke a significant reaction.
The initial phase, known as the "buildup phase," typically lasts three to six months. During this time, you receive injections in your upper arm one to three times per week. The allergen dose is gradually increased with each injection to safely and efficiently enhance your body's tolerance.
Following the buildup phase is the "maintenance phase," which is an ongoing period of treatment usually three to five years, based on your individual needs.
During this time, you receive an allergy shot once a month to help your body sustain its newly developed tolerance. Studies show that approximately 80% to 90% of patients experience significant improvement in their allergy symptoms with allergy shots.
SLIT, or allergy drops, involves a prescription liquid medication precisely formulated to address your unique "allergic fingerprint." This method gradually helps your body build tolerance to the substances causing your environmental, indoor, or insect allergies.
SLIT operates on the same principle as allergy shots. However, instead of an injection, the allergens in SLIT are placed under your tongue to dissolve. They are quickly absorbed by specialized dendritic cells located in this area.
The region beneath your tongue is rich in dendritic cells, which are key in delivering antigens to the immune system cells and are responsible for enhancing your tolerance to allergens. When these dendritic cells are regularly exposed to a custom-made solution of allergy drops tailored to your specific allergies and sensitivities, your body steadily increases its tolerance to the substances that trigger your allergic reactions.
Like allergy shots, SLIT involves a buildup phase and a maintenance phase. A notable advantage of SLIT is that it's an at-home treatment, eliminating the need for frequent office visits.
Many patients are symptom-free after completing the maintenance phase of their immunotherapy program. However, others may need to continue treatment indefinitely to maintain symptom control.
To learn how allergy immunotherapy can benefit you, contact Dr. Paluvoi at Allergy & Asthma Affiliates. We have offices in Landsdowne and Gainesville, Virginia. Call the office closest to you or request an appointment via the online booking tool.
