The goal of immunotherapy is to train the immune system to no longer react to otherwise harmless substances. This is achieved with weekly injections of an allergen solution to the patient. The dosage of allergen given to the patient is not enough to cause a reaction, but is sufficient to acclimatize the immune system to the allergen over a period of time. As the patient’s immune system becomes desensitized, the dose of the allergen is slowly increased. Maintenance injections are then administered monthly until the immune system develops a tolerance to the allergen and severe allergy symptoms are minimized. This process may take up to six months, although more permanent immunization is possible if the treatment is continued for three to five years. Immunotherapy is mainly reserved for severe cases of allergies that can lead to fatal complications. These include bee stings or severe allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

Pre-seasonal Immunotherapy: For patients who suffer from strong symptoms of seasonal allergies including trees, grass and ragweed. Pre-seasonal immunotherapy can provide a pre-seasonal “boost” to help reduce symptoms once the season begins.

Patients who test positively to seasonal allergies and fit the safety profile may be recommended for this high dose seasonal allergen therapy ten to eight weeks before the allergy season begins, and continue treatment into the season. This treatment is considered an add-on to year-round inhalant sublingual immunotherapy. Some patients find that adding pre-seasonal treatment to their year-round therapy can reduce the time it takes to complete their therapy. Pre-seasonal Therapy is available in Sublingual for certain allergens and Sub Cutaneus Allergen shots. You can inquire in the clinic for more information if you are a suitable candidate for pre-seasonal Immunotherapy.

Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT)
Treatment: Injections of allergen extract
Administered: In your physician’s office
Frequency: Weekly, for a 30-minute appointment and after 6 months monthly injections
Payment: Covered by most insurance plans.

Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)
Treatment: Drops of allergen taken orally
Administered: In your home
Frequency: Daily drops at home. Quarterly ordered, to pick up the next vial of drops at the office.
Payment: Some insurance plans covered it; so inquire with us and find out from your insurance

If you feel that your allergy medication and avoidance measures do not help as much as you would like, you should consult dr Roux regarding evaluation and individualized treatment