Allergies Q & A

What is immunotherapy for allergies?

If you have allergies, like rhinitis, asthma, or rashes,  It’s important to schedule an appointment for a skin allergy test, once you know your allergies, the doctor will make a custom allergy serum for you.

This is the only medical treatment that could potentially modify allergic disease.

What will be the schedule for your injections?

The treatment has 2 phases

1. Build up Phase: In this phase, your body will be exposed gradually to the allergens, you will receive injections twice a week until you reduce your sensitivity to your allergies, it can range between 6-12 months
2. Maintenance Phase: You will receive the Maintenance dose every 2-4 weeks for at least 3-5 years.

What to expect when I go to the office for my injections?

You will receive 1-2 injections depends on your allergies, subcutaneous in your upper arm, after the injection you need to be at the office for 30 minutes after the allergy injection, in case you have a reaction, also the doctor will prescribe an epi-pen ( epinephrine) in case of a delayed systemic reaction.

What are the local and systemic reactions I may have after the allergy injection?

1 . Local: swelling, redness at the site of the injection, can be managed with cold compresses, topical hydrocortisone, or allergy medications.

2. Systemic reaction: Occurs less commonly, may include hives, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, nausea, vomit, lightheadedness. A serious reaction usually occur within 30 minutes after the injection, for that reason is very important to stay at the office 30 minutes after the allergy shot. It’s very important to carry always with you the epi-pen