Seasonal allergies can be a real nuisance. They come around every year, bringing sneezing, itching, and congestion. Springtime pollen or fall ragweed makes little difference. Many feel stuck in a cycle of allergy symptoms that won't quit. But is there any hope for a way to finally break this cycle? Can allergy immunotherapy treatment in Los Angeles CA cure your seasonal allergies?

This post will dig deep into what allergy immunotherapy is, how it works, and whether it can relieve your seasonal allergies. Let's look at the facts and help you determine if it's the right choice for you. If you're tired of popping allergy pills and using nasal sprays yearly, consider the solution you've been looking for.

What Is Allergy Immunotherapy Treatment in Los Angeles, CA?

Allergy immunotherapy, called allergy shots or sublingual tablets, decreases the body's sensitivity to allergens. Simply put, it trains the immune system to avoid overreacting against substances such as pollen, dust, or mold.

Treatment involves gradually exposing your body to small amounts of the allergens that cause your symptoms. Over time, this builds up your immunity to them. The theory is that your immune system gets accustomed to them and stops reacting strongly.

In medicine or doctor's offices, injections commonly go out due to allergy shots. You shall receive them once or twice a week upon initial treatment and gradually reduce treatments over time. Sublingual tablets are placed upon the tongue, and once you are at home, you administer them to your body.

How Does Immunotherapy Work for Allergies?

Allergy immunotherapy works by reprogramming your immune system. When you start treatment, your body treats allergens as if they were invading harmful germs. Everyone knows the symptoms so well: sneezing, itching, and congestion. Immunotherapy gradually "re-educates" your immune system to recognize these substances as harmless, reducing or eliminating allergic reactions over time.

This process is not a rapid solution overnight. It may take months or years before you would begin feeling the full impacts of allergy immunotherapy. But for most of them, it takes time to wait. Once you achieve a tolerance level, you may feel no symptoms as serious at all, and in some instances, you may have no allergies. Even after stopping treatment, individuals feel the impact.

Is Allergy Immunotherapy a Cure?

Allergy immunotherapy is not a panacea; however, it is a long-term cure. It does not remove allergies but can significantly reduce or even stop them in many people. This makes it different from over-the-counter medications that only mask symptoms briefly.

Indeed, the response rate is around 80% for patients who have completed allergy immunotherapy treatment in Los Angeles, CA; relief results in some. However, for a few, these persist even after stopping therapy altogether. It is about the closest we have today to a "cure." However, the responses do not all work alike or show equal effects from immunotherapy.

The Advantages of Allergy Immunotherapy

For several reasons, you should consider allergy immunotherapy as a long-term fix for your seasonal allergies. For one, here are a few of the most important reasons:

  • Long-term results: Once finished, you might find comfort for years.
  • Less medication: You can forget about the pills and nasal sprays, all of which bring along certain side effects.
  • Quality of life improved: Immunotherapy improves your allergic condition so that you can still engage in outdoor activities you could no longer pursue.
  • Address the cause of the allergy: Immunotherapy treats the basic cause of the allergy problem, unlike medication that only tries to address symptoms.

All these make it an inviting choice for individuals who have, over the years, dealt with seasonal allergies yearly.

How Effective Is Allergy Immunotherapy?

Allergy immunotherapy is generally very effective for most patients. After completing the entire course of treatment, a success rate of about 85% has been achieved in treating allergic symptoms. This, however, depends on several factors, such as the nature of allergens, the duration of allergies, and individual responses to the treatment.

For example, individuals with pollen allergies, whether to trees, grass, or weeds, do better than those with indoor allergens like dust mites. Conversely, patients with dust mite and mold allergies can respond well to immunotherapy.

Are There Any Side Effects of Allergy Immunotherapy?

Of course, like with any medication, allergy immunotherapy has some potential side effects. However, the majority of these side effects are minor and short-term. Common reactions include: 

  • Mild swelling or redness at the injection site
  • Itching or irritation in the mouth with sublingual tablets
  • Fatigue or a mild headache

In some instances, this can lead to a more severe condition, such as anaphylaxis, a severe type of allergic reaction. Hence, allergy shots are to be administered in a medical office where one can be closely monitored for safety concerns. The doctor will administer very small doses to lower the risks.

Who May Need Allergy Immunotherapy?

Allergy immunotherapy is not a prescription for everybody. It is recommended in most cases for people:

  • Moderate to severe allergies that are not responsive to self-medication.
  • Desire long-term relief from seasonal allergies and are willing to take the treatment plan.
  • Allergies to specific substances such as pollen, mold, and dust mites, where immunotherapy can help.

If you are unsure whether this immunotherapy is right for you, consult your doctor at Allergy Immunotherapy Treatment in Los Angeles, CA. He will help you weigh the pros and cons of your situation.

Allergy Immunotherapy Cost

Despite the transformative potential of allergy immunotherapy, cost remains a crucial factor. Allergy shots can be expensive, especially since they require regular visits to the doctor. The total cost of treatment can range from $1,000 to $4,000 per year, depending on the number of shots and your insurance coverage.

Sublingual tablets are newer but more convenient and cost between $600 and $1,000 per year's supply. Insurance might sometimes pay for part of this, so checking with the provider before starting treatment would be wise.

Final Thoughts

Allergy immunotherapy isn't a quick fix, but it's one of the most effective long-term solutions for seasonal allergies. If you're tired of battling your allergies annually, it could be worth exploring this treatment in Los Angeles, CA. While it may not offer a “cure,” it can provide lasting relief, making the seasons much more bearable. Talk to your doctor to see if allergy immunotherapy is the right choice.