3 Reasons Immunotherapy May Stop Your Seasonal Allergies for Good

North Texas is full of weeds and grasses that can trigger seasonal allergies. Bermuda grass,  ragweed, and other plantlife are thriving right now and can set off your seasonal allergies. 

Antihistamines and nasal sprays may help control your symptoms, but they don’t stop what’s causing them. Immunotherapy is different. Immunotherapy doesn’t mask your symptoms; it helps retrain your immune system so it’s less sensitive to the allergens that trigger your reactions.

Our allergist, Dr. Thomas Fowler at Allergy and Asthma of Prosper and Celina, Texas, and his team can discuss your medical history and test for allergies to determine the source of your symptoms and create a treatment plan to help you find relief. 

How immunotherapy works 

Most allergy medications provide temporary symptom relief. For example, antihistamines block histamine, which is a chemical your body releases when you’re having an allergic reaction. Typical symptoms include sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. 

Nasal corticosteroid sprays and other allergy medications can reduce inflammation inside your nasal passages and help reduce your symptoms. However, they don’t change what’s causing your allergy. 

Immunotherapy works differently because the treatment exposes your immune system to carefully controlled amounts of the allergen.

Allergy shots or under-the-tongue tablets gradually build up your tolerance so your immune system becomes less sensitive over time. This helps your body build a stronger tolerance, and your body may not react as strongly when you encounter those allergens, leading to fewer allergy symptoms and less reliance on medication. 

Three ways immunotherapy can benefit you 

While every patient is different, immunotherapy offers several advantages over treating allergy symptoms with common approaches. Here are three reasons many people choose this long-term approach. 

1. Targets your specific allergy triggers 

Before starting immunotherapy, you’ll undergo allergy testing to identify exactly what’s causing your symptoms. Once diagnosed, we tailor your immunotherapy plan to your specific allergy triggers, helping your immune system gradually build tolerance. 

2. May reduce your reliance on allergy medications 

When you rely on antihistamines, nasal drops, or eye drops, you know they can be inconvenient and not always as effective as you’d like. 

Targeted immunotherapy treats your specific symptoms, and many patients find they need allergy medications less often when their immune system stops reacting so strongly to allergens. Our allergist will help you determine whether it’s appropriate to adjust your medications as treatment progresses. 

3. Long-lasting benefits 

Patients appreciate the benefits of immunotherapy long after the treatment ends. The treatment can take three to five years, but many patients can experience lasting relief for years afterward. 

Immunotherapy can reduce sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and other allergy symptoms, and you may not need daily medications. For people with allergies that interfere with their daily activities, this long-term benefit can make a significant difference in your quality of life. 

If you’re tired of planning your life around allergy season, Dr. Thomas Fowler and the team at Allergy and Asthma of Prosper and Celina can help determine whether immunotherapy is the right treatment option for you. You can schedule online or call for an appointment.