My Allergies Are Getting Worse — Should I Try Immunotherapy?

Nearly 1 in 3 adults and 1 in 4 children suffer some sort of allergy. These allergies may be to foods, pollen, or other triggers, like pet dander or latex.

If you've noticed that your allergies are becoming increasingly bothersome and impacting your daily life, you want relief. Perhaps conservative treatments like allergy medications and avoiding triggers just aren’t working anymore.

Immunotherapy may be the answer. Here at Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center, we help people in Kingsport and Johnson City, Tennessee, and Abingdon, Virginia, to find relief from allergy symptoms, and maybe eliminate them altogether. 

During immunotherapy, you receive small doses of the substance responsible for your symptoms. Over time, your provider increases the dose to build up your immunity and desensitize you to the substance.  

Learn more about the details of immunotherapy, its benefits, and whether it could be the right solution for you.

Understanding allergies

Allergies are your immune system’s overreactions to substances that are usually harmless, known as allergens. Common allergens include pollen, pet dander, dust mites, certain foods, and insect venom. 

When your immune system comes into contact with the allergens, it produces antibodies and releases histamines. You experience a range of allergic symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, congestion, and hives. In some cases, allergies can lead to a severe, life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.

Why allergies worsen

Allergies can change over time, and it's not uncommon for individuals to experience worsening symptoms. This might happen because you experience:

• Increased exposure

• If you're spending more time outdoors or in environments with high allergen levels, you're likely to experience more severe allergic reactions.

• Sensitization

• Prolonged exposure to allergens can lead to increased sensitivity, causing your immune system to react more strongly.

• Weather changes 

• Seasonal shifts can bring about different allergens, intensifying your allergy symptoms during specific times of the year.

• Aging

• As you age, your immune system may change, potentially altering the way it responds to allergens.

• Lifestyle factors

• Stress, diet, and other lifestyle factors can influence your immune system and, subsequently, your allergies.

How immunotherapy works

Immunotherapy is the term for allergy shots. It’s a long-term treatment that aims to desensitize your immune system to specific allergens. When administering immunotherapy, your provider administers gradually increasing doses of allergens to help your body build tolerance. 

The treatment can significantly reduce allergic reactions and, in some cases, lead to long-lasting remission of allergy symptoms.

Determining if immunotherapy is right for you

Immunotherapy may be the right treatment if your allergies are worsening and becoming harder to manage with conservative measures. Our providers may recommend immunotherapy if you have:

• Severe allergies

• If you experience frequent and intense allergy symptoms, immunotherapy may be the right treatment.

• Poor response to medications

• Immunotherapy is an option if over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription allergy medications provide insufficient relief.

• Specific allergies

• Immunotherapy is especially beneficial for allergies triggered by pollen, dust mites, pet dander, certain molds, and insect stings.

• Desire for long-term relief

• Immunotherapy can potentially lead to lasting benefits so you don’t have to take medication regularly.

Consultation with an allergist

Before deciding on immunotherapy or any other treatment, it's crucial to consult us here at Regional Allergy Asthma & Immunology Center. Our providers perform a thorough evaluation, including allergy testing, to identify your specific triggers and determine the most suitable treatment plan for your condition.

You don’t have to continue to suffer the symptoms of allergies. Reach out to Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center to learn about the treatments available to you. Call our office or send us a message here on our website to book an appointment.