Enjoying a comfortable and healthy life can often depend on how well we manage allergy symptoms. For effective long-term management, it’s important to work with your Atlanta allergist to find the best allergy treatments available. Among the various remedies, a treatment like allergy desensitization stands out for its ability to provide lasting relief from aggravating symptoms. But is undergoing immunotherapy treatment really the optimal way to take control of an allergy?
The Main Advantages of Allergy Desensitization
Allergy desensitization can be life-changing for the right candidates. This treatment allows patients to build immune system tolerance by gradually exposing them to allergens over many months. The following benefits illustrate why allergy shots and oral immunotherapy (OIT) are beneficial.
Substantial Reduction in Allergy Symptoms
Patients who complete the allergy desensitization process can often tolerate exposure to allergens without suffering symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, skin hives and itching. For instance, the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reported immunotherapy reduces hay fever symptoms in 85% of individuals with allergic rhinitis. In addition, patients with severe allergies will reduce their chances of an anaphylactic episode.
Long-Term Allergy Relief
Unlike medications that provide temporary relief, allergy desensitization aims for tolerance to allergens that is sustainable over the long-term. The effects of the treatment can last for several years and may even be permanent. These benefits are experienced with both OIT for food allergies and allergy shots for environmental allergies.
Improved Quality of Life
From avoiding outdoor activities to changing your diet, allergies frequently affect a person’s quality of life. For instance, when a child has an allergy that impacts daily life, the entire family often experiences added stress. Fortunately, understanding what allergy desensitization is and how it can prevent symptoms is the first step towards improved health.
Less Reliance on Medication
Allergy desensitization requires you to reach a maintenance level with an allergenic substance, and this initial effort will usually pay off long into the future. Many people wish to avoid taking medication over the long term when possible, and as the body becomes more tolerant to an allergen, there’s often a reduced need for daily allergy medications. Taking less medication will in turn lower chances of having a medication-related adverse reaction.
A Safe and Proven Allergy Treatment
Allergy desensitization is a well-established treatment method with many success stories. While there are risks with any exposure to allergens, the desensitization process takes place under the guidance of an experienced allergist.
Dietary and Lifestyle Improvements
By offering relief for many types of allergies, desensitization can dramatically improve daily life for adults and children. In the case of food allergies, a successful course of OIT can lead to a wider range of dietary options – and reduce the fear associated with accidental exposure. Similarly, immunotherapy reduces allergy symptoms and can make outdoor activities more enjoyable.
Atlanta’s Leading Allergy Desensitization Treatment
Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center provides safe allergy desensitization at our centers in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. Get dependable treatments for common allergy symptoms with our doctors. To learn more, call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.
