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Allergy Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is one of several treatment options for allergies. Environmental immunotherapy works by giving shots to the patient to help build up a tolerance to the substance they are allergic to. Building tolerance gradually helps to reduce the severity of allergy symptoms, and sometimes, it can eliminate allergy symptoms altogether. 

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How to Get Started

Allergic Reaction

Before starting treatment, you’ll want to visit a clinic provider for a diagnosis.

If you are a good candidate for the program you will undergo testing to determine what you are allergic to and how severe your reactions are.

 

Allergy immunotherapy is most often used for seasonal allergies.

 

Once a provider determines you are a good candidate for immunotherapy, your treatment will begin. Immunotherapy treatment follows a schedule determined by your doctor.  Shots will be giving on a specific schedule, which will introduce a small amount of the substance you’re allergic to into your immune system. The amount injected is very small, which gives you time to build up immunity to the substance gradually.

 

You’ll continue to get shots on a regular basis until you reach an adequate maintenance level. Once you reach that level, you should continue to be immune to the substance you are allergic to for some time, even when your immunotherapy sessions end.

 

Note that the “right” immunotherapy course of treatment differs for everyone. You may need more or fewer treatment sessions than others you know to achieve the same results.

Preparing for Testing

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Talk to Your Child About the Allergy Test

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Tests and going to the doctor can sound scary to a child. Reassure them that the test will not be painful, and explain to them it is necessary to learn what they are allergic to and will help them feel better.

 

Bring a Distraction

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We recommend you or your child bring a book, an electronic tablet or a comfort toy. While it is not painful after the skin test, patients may get itchy and uncomfortable from the reactions. 

Medications to Stop or Avoid

Let your provider know of any medications you (or your child) take regularly, including vitamins and supplements, when you see them for the initial consultation as they may need to be avoided prior to testing. 

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Patients MUST STOP taking the following 7 DAYS BEFORE the allergy testing appointment. Please notify your provider if there is any reason that you are UNABLE to STOP medication, or if you are unable to change your medication schedule.

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ANTIHISTAMINES

  • Allegra

  • Benadryl

  • Claritin

  • Sudafed

  • Tylenol: Allergy, Cold, PM, Flu

  • Zyrtec

  • Any other over-the-counter medications that treat allergies

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STEROIDS

  • Advair

  • Asmanex

  • Cortisone

  • Nasacort

  • Any other steroids, inhalers

  • All prescription medication: talk to your provider about any daily medication the patient may be taking.

 

IMMUNE BOOSTERS

  • Elderberry

  • Emergen-C

  • Multivitamins

  • Vitamin C

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