(RxWiki News) The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) has issued advice on how to beat the summertime allergy blues by using a treatment developed 100 years ago.
Ira Finegold, M.D., past president of the ACAAI and chairman of the Immunotherapy and Diagnostics Committee, recommends getting allergy shots even though it takes a commitment of three to five years.
"Ask your doctor if allergy shots would cure your summertime allergies."
Dr. Finegold's patients are thrilled to be able to reduce their medication and hopefully be free of allergy medicines altogether. Allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, are used to reduce symptoms of summertime allergies including, but not limited to, pet dander, dust mites and grass.
Allergy shots act like a vaccine. It exposes the body to a small amount of the allergen, which trains the body to build an immunity to the targeted allergy. Getting an allergy shot requires a visit to the allergist once or twice a week for about six to eight months.
After the initial therapy schedule, visits to the doctor for shots can usually be reduced to once or twice a month. THe ACAAI encourages patients to really understand the benefits of immunotherapy and has released the following information:
- Allergy shots can prevent asthma.
- Allergy shots can also prevent the onset of other allergies.
- Getting allergy shots can prevent doctor and emergency room visits, which also saves money.
- Immunotherapy is usually well-tolerated by patients.
- Allergy shots are quite safe when administered or monitored by an allergist.
