Allergy Shots for Seasonal and Environmental Allergies Treatment

Allergy shots, also called subcutaneous immunotherapy or allergen immunotherapy, are a leading allergy treatment used to desensitize the immune system to specific allergens. Patients take regular injections of allergen extract to reduce the impact of symptoms caused by pollen, dust mites, pet dander and insect stings.

Dr. Mireku is here to guide you or your child through the immunotherapy process, ensuring you are safe, comfortable – and seeing improvements in your health and well-being. Visit one of our first-class allergy treatment centers in McKinney/Prosper or Southlake, and discover how allergy shots can prevent symptoms and minimize the risk of allergies.

Understanding Allergy Shots

Allergy shots are a type of immunotherapy treatment aimed at desensitizing the immune system to allergens by exposing the body to gradually increasing doses. Patients must first undergo allergy testing to identify the source of the allergic reactions, then allergy shots can be given. Over a period of months (possibly a few years), small amounts of allergen extract are injected just under the skin’s surface This gradual process allows the body to develop a tolerance without triggering allergic reactions.

How the Allergy Shot Treatment Works

Subcutaneous immunotherapy has two phases – buildup and maintenance. While alternative immunotherapy treatments like allergy drops also feature a buildup and maintenance phase, for allergy shots the administration process varies considerably.

Buildup Phase

During the buildup phase patients will receive injections of low doses of allergen. Patients will receive allergy shots at our North Texas allergy treatment centers under the careful supervision of Dr. Mireku. This phase may last approximately three to six months (timescale will vary). Buildup aims to reach an effective therapeutic dose that allows the patient to tolerate allergen exposure with minimal or no reaction.

Maintenance Phase

The maintenance phase seeks to sustain desensitization from the allergen and prevent symptoms from exposure. Patients receive the effective dose over several years, with potential adjustments after allergist assessment. During this phase, patients should have an improved quality of life without fear of allergy symptoms and related ill health.

A Needle-Free Alternative to Allergy Shots

Allergy shots help patients build tolerance to allergens through gradual exposure. However, anxiety about needles makes some people reluctant to start or continue treatment. Allergy drops (sublingual immunotherapy, or SLIT) share the same goal as allergy shots, but do not require any injections, even to begin treatment. Instead, patients take drops of allergen extract under the tongue daily. For some patients with seasonal and environmental allergies, this makes SLIT a better treatment.

Treatment with allergy shots also requires regular visits to one of our allergy treatment centers. While this schedule works well for many patients, others may find it difficult to balance with work, school or family commitments. Allergy drops can be a useful alternative for these patients, with at-home dosing and fewer office visits throughout treatment.

How to Choose Between Allergy Shots and Allergy Drops

Finding the right treatment starts with Dr. Mireku reviewing each patient’s allergy testing results to determine which allergens are causing symptoms. Understanding the specific environmental allergens that trigger reactions will culminate in a diagnosis. While both allergy shots and allergy drops can treat common environmental allergens like pollen and dust mites, allergy shots are usually preferred to treat insect sting allergies. The severity of symptoms and health conditions like poorly controlled asthma may also be considered.

A patient’s daily routines and schedule are also important factors. When a family finds it more convenient to use allergy drops at home, it increases the chances of the patient completing the treatment. Dr. Mireku can discuss the key factors during a consultation to help individuals and families make the right treatment decisions.

Common Questions About Allergy Shots

Are allergy shots painful?

Most patients experience only mild discomfort from allergy shots, such as a slight pinch or sting. Any discomfort during the procedure typically lasts only a few seconds, and any lingering pain is unlikely.

How often do I need allergy shots?

The frequency of allergy shots will vary, but usually starts with weekly injections during the buildup phase, then changes to monthly shots in the maintenance phase. Your allergist can advise on a timescale during the consultation.

Are there any side effects from allergy shots?

Most people do not experience any significant side effects from allergy shots. There could be redness or swelling at the injection site, but this will typically heal quickly.

Environmental Allergy Shots in McKinney/Prosper and Southlake

At TexasAllergyMD, Dr. Mireku provides a range of allergy treatments for lasting relief from symptoms. Visit one of our allergy treatment centers in McKinney/Prosper or Southlake for effective allergy testing and effective therapies. Call (469) 375-1525 or request an appointment now.

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"Dr. Mireku is one of the best in her field. She is very proficient, professional and kind. In one visit she was able to see my pain and misery and put me on the right track to a happier and healthier life."

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"Dr. Mireku has improved my health significantly. I’ve had asthma and allergy issues all of my life, generally getting sick 3 to 5 times a year. Thanks to Dr. Mireku, I’ve not been sick in 9 months. Highly recommend."

"Dr. Mireku and her staff have really helped me with my allergies. I have started allergy injections and have seen improvements."

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Allergy Shots for Seasonal and Environmental Allergies Treatment

Understanding Allergy Shots

How the Allergy Shot Treatment Works

A Needle-Free Alternative to Allergy Shots