Immunotherapy

Allergy treatment has come a long way in just the last 10 years or so. Allergy shots, which are also known as subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), are now the most commonly used, most effective form of allergy immunotherapy. SCIT is the only treatment available that actually alters your immune system, making it possible to reduce allergies and prevent the development of new allergies and asthma.

Immunotherapy makes it possible to train your body to become less allergic. It is a preventive treatment for allergic reactions to substances such as grass pollens, dust mites and bee venom.

Immunotherapy involves gradually increasing doses of the allergen. These incremental increases make your immune system less sensitive by causing production of a “blocking” antibody, which will reduce allergy symptoms when the same allergen is encountered in the future. Immunotherapy also reduces inflammation common with rhinitis and asthma. Before treatment, Dr. Mardiney will help you identify the triggers for your allergy symptoms. He may perform skin or blood tests to confirm specific allergens causing antibodies. He may recommend immunotherapy if you are selectively sensitive to several allergens.

Types of immunotherapy

In addition to allergy shots, there are allergy tablets and allergy drops. These are forms of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) and a way to treat some allergies without shots. Like shots, tablets reduce your symptoms by helping your body increase resistance to one specific allergen. Unlike shots, tablets can only treat one allergen at a time. In addition, tablets do not prevent development of new allergies or asthma. Currently, FDA-approved SLIT tablets can treat ragweed, grass pollen and dust mite allergies.

Allergy drops work just like tablets. SLIT drops are widely accepted and used in many countries around the world, but they have not yet been FDA-approved in the United States and their usage is only off-label. Dr. Mardiney can discuss your best treatment options and help you get your health back on the right track.

Don’t suffer with allergies or asthma any longer. Call Advanced Allergy & Asthma Centers at (443) 987-6998 in Bel Air or (443) 519-2128 in Lutherville and Towson. Or use our convenient Request an Appointment form. We also welcome patients from Baltimore and Carney.