How Effective Is Allergy Desensitization?

Do you suffer from itchy, watery eyes that hinder your daily activities? Does a runny nose and sneezing impact most of your day? Are you tired of suffering from allergy symptoms that stop you from living life to the fullest?

You don’t have to suffer from allergy symptoms. It’s not true that you must deal with allergies for the rest of your life!

Allergy desensitization offers an easy and convenient solution.

What Is Allergy Desensitization?

Allergy desensitization teaches your body how to stop reacting to allergens. Through immunotherapy, your body is exposed to small amounts of allergens. Gradually, the dosage increases, and your immune system becomes less sensitive. As a result, your allergy symptoms diminish.

Through this process, your immune system builds up a tolerance and, eventually, becomes desensitized to the allergen.

What Allergies Does Desensitization Treat?

Desensitization addresses a range of environmental allergies, including:

• Seasonal allergies such as tree, grass, and weed pollen
• Indoor allergies caused by molds, pet dander, and dust mites

Regardless of how severe your symptoms are, sublingual immunotherapy can help. Imagine a world with no more staying inside, no more dreading the spring, and no more daily dose of antihistamines just to breathe easy.

How Does Immunotherapy Work?

Allergen immunotherapy works by introducing gradual amounts of an allergen. As a result, the body becomes desensitized to that particular allergen and stops reacting.

There are two types of allergy desensitization techniques.

Subcutaneous Immunotherapy Allergy Shots

Subcutaneous immunotherapy uses injections underneath the skin to administer the allergen serum. Allergy shots are given in the allergist’s office, and patients must wait 30 minutes after their injection before they can resume their day.

Sublingual Immunotherapy Allergy Drops and Tablets

Sublingual immunotherapy involves placing allergy drops or tablets under the tongue where the serum is absorbed through the mouth. Sublingual immunotherapy is just as effective as allergy shots, but it can be administered safely from the convenience of home!

How Effective Is Desensitization?

Desensitization through immunotherapy is a clinically-proven treatment for allergies and is effective for adults and children ages five and up. Immunotherapy offers long-lasting relief of allergy symptoms and reduces the short-term symptoms of allergic asthma.

How Are Allergies Tested?

There are two styles of allergy tests.

The skin prick test is administered at a doctor’s office. The test involves placing an allergen serum on the skin, then pricking the skin. If a topical reaction occurs, such as swelling or hives, the patient is likely allergic.

The blood test can be taken at home with Wyndly’s at-home test kit. Our allergy test identifies over 40 environmental allergens and only requires a finger prick. Once you complete the test, return it, and our allergy doctors will meet with you to go over your results and a personalized treatment plan.

How Long Before I See Results from Desensitization?

Some patients witness a reduction in allergy symptoms within several weeks. For many of our patients, it can take six to 12 months before the immune response slows.

How Long Does Desensitization Take from Start to Finish?

The length of treatment, from start to finish, to reach optimal allergy reduction averages between three to five years. This is the time required to make long-term changes in the immune system. Every patient is different, so it is important to continue working with your doctor throughout treatment to find what will work best for your allergies.

Is Desensitization Treatment for Children and Adults?

Allergists recommend desensitization treatments for adults and children ages five and up. All patients, regardless of age, should consult a doctor and take an allergy test before beginning immunotherapy.

Parents often opt for allergy drops over allergy shots for their children. Drops eliminate the need for weekly injections, and you don’t have to go to the doctor’s office or deal with long waits.

The Benefits of Allergy Desensitization

The goal of immunotherapy is to give you long-lasting allergy relief. Here are just some of the ways you could benefit from allergy desensitization:

You Reduce Your Risk

Severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening. Even if you don't have severe allergic reactions, allergy symptoms still impact your life and stop you from functioning at your best.

You Feel Healthier

When your immune system isn’t constantly reacting to environmental allergens, it becomes stronger. And with a stronger immune system, you are healthier. What’s more, you sleep better and feel more well rested.

You Have More Energy

When your body fights allergic reactions, you may feel fatigued for days. And taking over-the-counter allergy medications can make it worse. With immunotherapy, you have more energy to enjoy your allergy-free days.

You Avoid Seasonal Bouts of Allergies

Seasonal allergies come from trees, grasses, or weed pollen and often chase those with allergies indoors. After desensitization, you can say goodbye to seasonal flare-ups and enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about allergy symptoms.

You Know When You’re Actually Sick

When you suffer from allergies, your allergy symptoms are similar to those of the common cold. When you no longer react to allergens, you know that a runny nose and fatigue means you’re sick, not that it’s cedar fever season.

You Don’t Need as Many Medications

Allergy sufferers tend to take multiple medications to manage their symptoms. They may have day-time antihistamines, night-time antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops. More medicines mean more money spent and regularly consulting a doctor. With desensitization, you can save time, effort, and money and say goodbye to allergy medications for good!

You Enjoy Time Outside

People with environmental allergies tend to avoid outdoor exposure. If you take sublingual immunotherapy, you no longer need to stay indoors, wear an N95 mask when outside, or hand off mowing and gardening chores to someone else.

You Can Keep Your Pet

If you're allergic to pet dander, taking care of a dog or cat leads to allergy misery. One of the benefits of allergy immunotherapy is having a furry friend of your own without it costing your health and wellness.

You Have Better Asthma and Eczema Control

Asthma and eczema are often triggered by allergens. When allergy symptoms lessen and your immune system isn’t stressed, you experience fewer asthma attacks and eczema flare-ups.

Find Allergy Relief with Wyndly

If you’re ready to start your journey to overcoming allergies, Wyndly’s here to help! Our allergy specialists are available 24/7 to address any issues, questions, or concerns. Take our two-minute assessment today to see if desensitization and sublingual immunotherapy could work for you!