The Role of Immunotherapy in Treating Chronic Allergies

The role of immunotherapy in treating chronic allergies has become increasingly important as more patients seek long-term relief beyond over-the-counter medications. For New Yorkers navigating seasonal pollen surges, mold exposure, and year-round triggers like dust mites or pet dander, immunotherapy offers a targeted and proven solution to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. This blog explains how immunotherapy works, who benefits most, and why it’s a cornerstone of modern allergy care in NYC.

What Is Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a medical treatment designed to retrain the immune system to become less reactive to specific allergens. By gradually introducing small, controlled doses of allergens over time, the body builds tolerance and reduces its overactive response.
There are two main types of immunotherapy:

• Allergy Shots (Subcutaneous Immunotherapy – SCIT): These injections are administered in a medical office, typically once or twice weekly during the build-up phase, then monthly for maintenance.
• Allergy Drops (Sublingual Immunotherapy – SLIT): These are placed under the tongue daily and can often be taken at home, under physician guidance.

Both methods target the root cause of allergies rather than masking symptoms like antihistamines or nasal sprays do.

Who Should Consider Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is especially effective for individuals with moderate to severe allergies who:

• Have allergic rhinitis (hay fever) that isn’t controlled with medications.
• Suffer from recurrent sinus infections or chronic congestion.
• Experience seasonal asthma flare-ups due to allergens.
• Are allergic to multiple triggers like pollen, mold, pets, or dust mites.
• Prefer to reduce or eliminate long-term reliance on daily medications.

Children over the age of five and adults can benefit, especially those exposed to high allergen levels in urban environments like NYC.

Benefits of Immunotherapy for Chronic Allergies

Immunotherapy provides long-term allergy control and delivers many benefits:

1. Reduces Symptom Severity: Patients often notice fewer sneezing episodes, nasal congestion, watery eyes, and asthma attacks.
2. Decreases Medication Use: Many patients can reduce or stop using antihistamines, decongestants, or steroid sprays.
3. Prevents New Allergies: Immunotherapy may help prevent the development of new allergic sensitivities.
4. Improves Asthma Control: Especially in children and teens with allergic asthma, immunotherapy can reduce emergency visits and medication use.
5. Long-Lasting Results: With consistent treatment (typically 3–5 years), benefits may last for a decade or more after therapy ends.

For many patients, these outcomes translate into better sleep, fewer sick days, and a significant improvement in daily life.

How the Process Works

A board-certified allergist begins by identifying your exact allergy triggers through skin or blood testing. Once identified, your doctor develops a custom immunotherapy formula based on your allergy profile.

• During the build-up phase, doses are gradually increased to allow your body to adjust.
• The maintenance phase begins once an effective dose is reached — usually after several months — and continues long-term.

Patients receiving allergy shots must remain under observation in the clinic for 30 minutes post-injection. Those using sublingual drops are instructed on proper daily dosing at home.

Is Immunotherapy Right for You?

While immunotherapy is highly effective, it isn’t ideal for everyone. People with certain medical conditions — such as severe, uncontrolled asthma or immune disorders — may require alternative treatments. Your allergist will conduct a thorough medical evaluation to determine if immunotherapy is appropriate.

Expert Allergy Care in NYC

If you’re tired of seasonal or chronic allergy symptoms controlling your life, immunotherapy may offer the long-term relief you’ve been looking for. Get expert evaluation and treatment from NYC’s trusted allergy specialist.

Allergy, Asthma and Sinusitis P.C
Boyan Hadjiev, MD
30 East 40th Street
Suite 1200
New York, NY 10016
212-319-5282