Knowing the Nitty-Gritty of Desensitization

Chronic allergies are more common than you think and can cause problems in your everyday life. Though people try to take all the proper measures to prevent getting in touch with allergens, it doesn’t always work. Now, most allergy doctors in Oklahoma City suggest desensitization for treating such issues.

This treatment, also known as immunotherapy, helps your immune system get used to the allergens. You can take these shots from an allergy and asthma clinic in Oklahoma, where a specialist can look after the whole treatment. They first identify all the trigger factors of the patients and then start giving shots with a small amount of that allergen. Keep scrolling to learn more about this treatment.

What Are the Types of Desensitization?

Mainly there are two types of desensitization available for patients to choose from. Both processes can relieve allergic reactions but use different methods to complete the treatment. Two types of desensitization are:

Immunotherapy- This is a process in which allergy shots are given to patients by allergy doctors. The shots have a small dosage of allergens that helps the immune system to get used to them. After a while, the body gets accustomed to the allergens and does not get triggered by them. They are mostly done for treating dust mites, pollen, pet hairs, and many more.

Side Effect- Patients are likely to develop redness and swelling in the area where the injection is given.

Oral immunotherapy- This is the same as immunotherapy, but the patients need to have the doses orally. This is always done under the supervision of allergy doctors. Even after you reach a maintained dosage, you must keep having it to ensure that the treatment works. Many people have said that they found this treatment very effective and could again eat the foods they were allergic to.

Side Effect- The only issue with this treatment is that even after the process is over, you have to maintain a regular intake of the doses. This is done to ensure that the treatment is still working. The patient can have reactions like wheezing, sneezing, nasal congestion, and hives.

Why Do All Usually Choose Desensitization?

Allergy doctors recommend that people who have already tried many other treatments but witnessed no improvements can consider desensitization. Many people have taken all kinds of over-the counter- medicine that they could but ended up with no results.

Their doctors from the allergy and asthma clinic had claimed that people who rather had a bad reaction from the allergy medication or wanted to avoid allergy triggers opted for these treatments. It can also help people who have allergic asthma but refrain from using asthma medications.

What Are the Two Stages of Immunotherapy?

There are two stages in which the allergy shot, aka immunotherapy, is given, which are explained here:

First- The doctors start by giving the allergen in increasing doses, once or twice a week. This is known as the build-up stage and can last for almost six months.

Second- This is called the maintenance stage, where the doses are given in longer intervals of time. This stage is based on the level of your allergy sensitivity and your reaction to the first stage of treatment.

Where Should You Take the Shots?

It is very important to take the shots in an allergy and asthma clinic from a doctor. All patients need to be under supervision while taking such treatment. If any problem occurs, the allergy doctor can take proper steps to mitigate such issues.

What Is the Outcome?

People must realize that these treatments take time and have to wait for at least a year to see proper improvements. Within the third year of the treatment, all your symptoms will reduce to almost zero. Doctors recommend continuing the treatment properly, so the patient does not experience a relapse.

Make Your Immunity Strong

If you suffer from allergic problems and need any such treatment, you can consider contacting Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates. We have some of the greatest physicians on our team who can properly care you. You can visit our official website to book a schedule.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.