Breathe Easy Allergy & Asthma
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Immunotherapy / Allergy Shots

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A Long-Term Solution for Allergy Relief

For many people with moderate to severe allergies, daily medications only mask the symptoms — they don’t address the root cause. Immunotherapy, often referred to as allergy shots, is the most effective way to retrain your immune system to respond normally to allergens. By modifying your body’s reaction to triggers like pollen, dust, or pet dander, immunotherapy can help you achieve lasting relief without relying on daily medications.

How Immunotherapy Works

When your body encounters an allergen, your immune system may overreact, triggering what’s known as the allergic cascade — a chain reaction that causes symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, watery eyes, or skin irritation. Immunotherapy works by introducing tiny, controlled amounts of the allergens into your system over time. This helps your immune system build tolerance, reducing or eliminating the allergic response.

The ingredients used in allergy shots are derived from natural sources and are precisely formulated for your unique allergy profile. As your body adapts, the immune system learns to respond more appropriately, allowing you to live with fewer symptoms.

The Two Phases of Treatment Immunotherapy is delivered in two phases:

  1. Buildup Phase – This initial stage lasts about two months. During this time, you’ll receive allergy injections once a week, with each dose slightly increasing in strength. This gradual approach helps your body adjust safely and comfortably.
  2. Maintenance Phase – Once your body has built up a tolerance, you’ll transition to monthly injections. This phase typically lasts three to five years. Many patients notice significant improvement within the first year, and the benefits can last for years after treatment ends.

Why Choose Immunotherapy?

  • Addresses the cause, not just the symptoms
  • Aeroallergen Immunotherapy is the only disease modifying treatment avaialble- other options treat the symptoms and not the cause
  • Long-term results — relief can last years beyond treatment
  • Natural ingredients tailored to your allergies
  • Reduces or eliminates the need for daily medications
  • Covered by most insurance plans

Is It Right for You?

Immunotherapy is ideal for individuals whose allergies significantly impact their quality of life, especially when other treatments have not provided enough relief. During your consultation, we’ll perform thorough testing to identify your triggers and determine if allergy shots are the best option for your needs.  At Breathe Easy Allergy, we are able to start shots in patients as young as age 5

Immunotherapy desensitizes your immune system so you react less to environmental allergens. It’s used alongside allergen avoidance and simple environmental precautions. Most patients experience meaningful relief over a 3–5 year course, and all patients should carry an epinephrine auto-injector.

Options at a Glance

Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT)

  • Schedule: Weekly injections for 6–9 months, then monthly maintenance
  • Visit time: 30-minute observation after each shot
  • Where: In-office
  • Effectiveness: About 80% of patients report ~80% improvement
  • Coverage: FDA-approved; typically covered by insurance
  • Safety: Risk of systemic reaction <3%
  • Best for: Patients who can come to the office regularly; often preferred for higher-risk/sensitive individuals due to oversight and coverage advantages

Cluster Immunotherapy (Accelerated SCIT)

  • Schedule: Weekly shot visits with multiple doses per visit (accelerated “cluster” build-up)
  • Build-up time: Each cluster session 90–120 minutes; build-up completed over approximately 12 visits
  • Maintenance: Monthly; 30-minute observation per visit
  • Effectiveness: About 80% report ~80% improvement
  • Coverage: FDA-approved; typically covered by insurance (may have slightly higher fees)
  • Safety: Higher risk of local/systemic reactions vs. standard SCIT
  • Best for: Patients who need a faster build-up and have flexible schedules for longer visits

Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT – Custom Drops)

  • Schedule: Daily dosing at home
  • What it is: Uses the same allergen extract as SCIT at higher doses, taken under the tongue
  • Effectiveness: Fewer studies; efficacy generally <80% reported
  • Coverage: Off-label in the U.S.; not covered by insurance
  • Common effects: Mouth itching (often improves after 2–4 weeks; may use pre-medication)
  • Best for: Patients with limited time who prefer home treatment

Choosing a Path

  • Want the broadest coverage and in-office monitoring? SCIT is a strong default.
  • Need faster dose build-up and can stay longer per visit? Consider Cluster SCIT.
  • Prefer at-home dosing and understand cash pricing/off-label use? Custom SLIT drops may fit your lifestyle.

Safety reminder: Regardless of modality, patients are advised to carry an epinephrine auto-injector.

Take the First Step Toward Lasting Relief

Imagine enjoying the outdoors, spending time with pets, or opening your windows in spring — without constant sneezing or itchy eyes. If you’re ready to treat the cause of your allergies, our team is here to guide you through the process and help you breathe easier.

Contact us today to schedule your allergy evaluation.