Monthly Archives: April 2025
The Role of Immunotherapy in Treating Allergies and Asthma
Understanding the role of immunotherapy in treating allergies and asthma is key to long-term relief — especially for those who suffer from persistent symptoms that don’t fully respond to medications. In New York City, where environmental allergens and air pollutants are part of everyday life, immunotherapy offers a highly effective solution for managing chronic allergic conditions and allergic asthma.
This guide explores how immunotherapy works, who it benefits most, and what to expect during treatment.
What Is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment designed to reduce the body’s sensitivity to allergens. By gradually introducing small, controlled doses of the allergen over time, the immune system becomes less reactive — leading to fewer symptoms and better control of allergic conditions.
There are two main types of immunotherapy:
- Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT): Commonly known as allergy shots, this method involves injecting small amounts of allergens under the skin, typically in the arm.
- Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): Allergy drops or tablets are placed under the tongue and absorbed into the bloodstream.
How Immunotherapy Helps Allergies and Asthma
Allergies and asthma are often closely linked. Allergens like pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander can trigger asthma symptoms in people with allergic asthma. Immunotherapy treats the root cause of allergic reactions, which in turn helps manage asthma symptoms more effectively.
Here’s how it works:
- Reduces allergic inflammation: Immunotherapy retrains your immune system to become less reactive to allergens.
- Decreases medication dependence: Over time, many patients need fewer antihistamines, nasal sprays, or asthma inhalers.
- Improves long-term control: Unlike medications that only relieve symptoms, immunotherapy modifies the disease itself.
- Lowers risk of new allergies: Starting immunotherapy early may help prevent the development of additional allergies.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy may be recommended if you:
- Have moderate to severe allergies that interfere with daily life
- Don’t get sufficient relief from medications alone
- Want to reduce long-term dependence on allergy and asthma medications
- Have allergic asthma triggered by specific allergens
- Can commit to a consistent treatment schedule
Both adults and children (usually age 5 and older) can benefit from immunotherapy when prescribed and monitored by a specialist.
What to Expect During Treatment
Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots)
- Build-Up Phase: Injections are given once or twice a week for 3–6 months, with increasing doses of allergens.
- Maintenance Phase: Once the effective dose is reached, injections are spaced out to every 2–4 weeks and continue for 3–5 years.
- Monitoring: Patients remain in the clinic for about 30 minutes after each shot to monitor for reactions.
Sublingual Immunotherapy (Allergy Drops/Tablets)
- Daily Dosing: You take allergy drops or tablets at home under the tongue daily.
- Convenience: Ideal for those who prefer a non-invasive method or can’t commit to frequent clinic visits.
- Effectiveness: SLIT is FDA-approved for certain allergens, including grass, ragweed, and dust mites.
Are There Side Effects?
Immunotherapy is generally safe when administered under medical supervision. Mild side effects may include:
- Redness or swelling at the injection site
- Itchy mouth or throat (for SLIT)
Severe reactions (like anaphylaxis) are rare and typically occur during the build-up phase. That’s why it’s important to receive injections in a medical setting with observation afterward.
Long-Term Benefits of Immunotherapy
The most rewarding aspect of immunotherapy is its potential to provide long-term remission from allergies and improved asthma control. Many patients experience:
- Lasting relief even after treatment ends
- Fewer or no asthma attacks
- Improved sleep, focus, and quality of life
- Reduced emergency room visits or steroid use
Explore Your Immunotherapy Options in NYC
If you’re dealing with persistent allergies or allergic asthma, immunotherapy might be the long-term solution you’ve been looking for. To find out if you’re a candidate, schedule a consultation with Dr. Boyan Hadjiev at:
Allergy, Asthma and Sinusitis P.C
Boyan Hadjiev, MD
30 East 40th Street
Suite 1200
New York, NY 10016
212-319-5282
Discover how the role of immunotherapy in treating allergies and asthma can help you breathe easier, live better, and reduce your need for daily medications.
How to Manage Food Allergies Safely and Effectively
Knowing how to manage food allergies safely and effectively is essential for protecting your health and maintaining peace of mind — whether you’re eating at home, dining out, or traveling. Food allergies affect millions of people in the U.S., and reactions can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
For New Yorkers navigating busy schedules and constant exposure to food in restaurants, office kitchens, and public spaces, awareness and preparation are key. Here’s how to take control of your food allergies with smart strategies, expert care, and everyday precautions.
What Are Food Allergies?
Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a food protein as a threat and launches a defensive response. Unlike food intolerances, which involve digestion, food allergies involve the immune system and can cause severe symptoms even from tiny exposures.
Common Allergenic Foods
The majority of food allergies are caused by these top allergens:
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds, cashews)
- Milk
- Eggs
- Soy
- Wheat
- Fish
- Shellfish
Symptoms to Watch For
Food allergy symptoms can appear within minutes or up to two hours after consuming the allergen. Symptoms may include:
- Hives, itching, or eczema
- Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or nasal congestion
- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Anaphylaxis – a severe, potentially fatal allergic reaction
If you suspect an allergy, even with mild symptoms, consult an allergist immediately for testing and diagnosis.
Getting an Accurate Diagnosis
Proper diagnosis is critical to managing food allergies safely and effectively. This may include:
- Skin prick testing: Identifies immediate allergic reactions to specific food proteins.
- Blood testing: Measures the presence of IgE antibodies linked to food allergens.
- Oral food challenge: Performed under medical supervision, this test introduces small amounts of the suspected allergen to confirm a diagnosis.
Creating a Food Allergy Management Plan
Once a food allergy is confirmed, developing a personalized plan is essential. This plan should include:
- Strict avoidance: The only proven method to prevent reactions is to avoid the allergen entirely.
- Label reading: Always check ingredient labels carefully. Learn to recognize alternate names for allergens.
- Emergency response: Carry prescribed medications (such as an epinephrine auto-injector) and know how and when to use them.
- Allergy action plan: Share this plan with schools, employers, and caregivers. Include steps to take in case of accidental exposure.
Dining Out With Confidence
Dining out can be a source of anxiety for people with food allergies, but it doesn’t have to be. Use these precautions to stay safe:
- Choose restaurants that are allergy-aware and willing to accommodate dietary needs.
- Notify the host, server, and chef about your allergies every time — even if you’ve eaten there before.
- Ask detailed questions about food prep, shared equipment, sauces, and garnishes.
- Carry a food allergy dining card to clearly communicate your needs, especially when traveling.
Living With Food Allergies: Daily Tips
Managing food allergies safely and effectively requires ongoing awareness. Incorporate these habits into your routine:
- Keep epinephrine accessible at all times — and make sure family members and coworkers know how to use it.
- Educate your child’s school or caregivers about safe foods and symptoms of a reaction.
- Stay updated on food recalls and ingredient changes by following allergy-focused organizations and apps.
- Join a local or online support group for tips, recipes, and shared experiences.
Get Expert Help Managing Food Allergies
If you or your child has food allergies, a board-certified allergist can help develop a safe, effective management plan. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Boyan Hadjiev for comprehensive allergy testing and ongoing care at:
Allergy, Asthma and Sinusitis P.C
Boyan Hadjiev, MD
30 East 40th Street
Suite 1200
New York, NY 10016
212-319-5282
Take control of your health and protect yourself from serious reactions by learning how to manage food allergies safely and effectively. Professional support makes all the difference.
Serving all of New York City and the Tri State Area including Zip Codes: Top Allergist NYC Midtown, Chelsea and Clinton: 10001, 10011, 10018, 10019, 10020, 10036 | Gramercy Park and Murray Hill: 10010, 10016, 10017, 10022 | Greenwich Village and Soho: 10012, 10013, 10014 | Lower Manhattan: 10004, 10005, 10006, 10007, 10038, 10280 | Lower East Side: 10002, 10003, 10009 | Upper East Side: 10021, 10028, 10044, 10128 | Upper West Side: 10023, 10024, 10025
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