When you inhale allergens like pollen or dust, your immune system can overreact and trigger nasal symptoms such as inflammation, congestion and sneezing. Management of nasal allergies requires treating both symptoms and the underlying immune response. For many Atlanta patients, immunotherapy will be the most effective approach for lasting relief. Here’s how allergen desensitization can help treat long-term nasal allergy symptoms.
How Immunotherapy Supports Relief From Nasal Allergies
Avoiding exposure to pollen, dust mites, mold and pet dander can be difficult for people with nasal allergies. If you have moderate to severe symptoms, immunotherapy helps desensitize your immune system over time, and reduces your risk of a reaction after contact with allergens.
Immunotherapy Retrains Your Immune System
Immunotherapy gradually exposes you to increasing doses of allergens. With controlled exposure to the problem allergen, your body learns to tolerate it without overreacting. For nasal allergy symptoms, allergists will recommend either subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy shots) or sublingual immunotherapy (allergy drops placed under the tongue). The allergen is delivered in controlled doses to allow your immune system to build tolerance without noticeable reactions.
Immunotherapy Addresses Root Causes of Nasal Allergies
Instead of masking nasal allergy symptoms, immunotherapy changes how the immune system responds. The goal is to stop the body from releasing histamine and other chemicals through ongoing exposure to small amounts of the allergen. While some treatments aim to reduce the impact of sneezing, congestion and other symptoms, allergen desensitization can prevent symptoms before they start.
Immunotherapy Provides Long-Term Allergy Relief
For patients with nasal allergies, exposure to pollen, mold and other substances leads to ongoing discomfort. Nasal allergies can cause sinus problems, so mild congestion could quickly lead to sinus pressure and chronic sinusitis. Immunotherapy minimizes and even stops these symptoms, helping patients feel better and potentially reducing the need for allergy medication.
Immunotherapy Is an Alternative to Other Nasal Treatments
Common nasal allergy treatment options (such as antihistamines, nasal sprays and decongestants) may not be effective for everyone. Some people do not want to become dependent on daily medication, or find that the results are minimal and temporary. While allergy shots do require an ongoing commitment, once a tolerance level is reached it can last for years.
Immunotherapy Is Safe for Patients With Nasal Allergies
Professional immunotherapy treatment is a safe option for adults and children. Your allergist will assess your suitability after a thorough evaluation of your medical history, symptoms and allergy testing results. In most cases, immunotherapy is used for patients with moderate to severe nasal allergy symptoms. For patients who don’t respond well to standard medication and are at risk of severe reactions, allergen desensitization is a safe and reliable method for managing allergies.
Expert Immunotherapy Treatment for Nasal Allergies in Atlanta
If you’re experiencing persistent nasal allergy symptoms, contact Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center for professional testing and treatment. We provide nasal allergy care at treatment centers across the Atlanta area. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment now.
