Allergy immunotherapy is the only treatment that can actually change how your immune system responds to specific triggers like pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander. By gradually exposing your body to small amounts of what triggers your reactions, immunotherapy builds tolerance over time and can provide relief that lasts years after treatment ends.
This guide covers how shots, drops, and tablets work, what results you can realistically expect, and how to decide which approach fits your life.
Immunotherapy Treatment For Allergies
Allergy Immunotherapy Shots (SCIT)
Subcutaneous immunotherapy, or SCIT, is the traditional form of allergy immunotherapy. It has been used safely for over a century. With allergy shots, a small amount of allergen extract is injected just beneath the skin, usually in the upper arm. SCIT can target multiple allergies at once.
Allergy Immunotherapy Drops and Tablets (SLIT)
Sublingual immunotherapy, known as SLIT, offers an alternative to injections. With this approach, you place allergen tablets or liquid drops under your tongue each day. The allergens absorb through the tissue in your mouth and enter your bloodstream, producing a similar desensitizing effect over time.
Allergy Immunotherapy at Home
At Advanced ENT & Allergy, patients can do allergy immunotherapy at home, whether it’s with drops, tablets or even shots. After your initial supervised dose, you can continue the majority of the treatment at home. We schedule follow-up appointments every few months to monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed. Whichever method you choose, consistency matters most. Missing doses can slow your progress, so the best treatment is the one you'll actually stick with over the long haul.
Does Allergy Immunotherapy Work?
For most people, allergy immunotherapy works. Research spanning more than a century supports immunotherapy as an effective treatment for environmental allergies. While all types of immunotherapy are known to be highly effective, there’s some differences to consider. For example, tablets are only available for a handful of allergens, and can only treat one allergy at a time. Before you start treatment, make sure to discuss your options with your doctor.
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for immunotherapy. Your doctor will consider factors like the severity of your symptoms, your overall health, and whether you can realistically commit to the treatment timeline. For some patients, continuing with symptom-relief medications may be the better choice. For many, immunotherapy is the way to go.
How Much Does Immunotherapy for Allergies Cost?
Cost is a practical concern, and it varies depending on the type of treatment and your insurance coverage. Without insurance, allergy shots can range from several hundred to a few thousand dollars per year, depending on how often you receive injections and how many allergens are included in your treatment.
Most insurance plans cover allergy shots, often requiring only a copay per visit. FDA-approved sublingual tablets are also frequently covered. Custom allergy drops, however, are not currently covered by insurance.
At Advanced ENT and Allergy, our team can help you understand your insurance coverage and explore payment options before you begin treatment.
Side Effects of Immunotherapy for Allergies
Like any medical treatment, immunotherapy carries some risk of side effects. The good news is that most are mild and temporary.
With allergy shots, common side effects include:
- Redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site
- Mild sneezing or nasal congestion
- Occasional fatigue after treatment
With sublingual immunotherapy, you may experience:
- Itching or tingling in the mouth
- Mild swelling of the lips or tongue
- Throat irritation, especially in the first few weeks
Serious reactions are rare but possible. Anaphylaxis, a severe whole-body allergic reaction, occurs in a very small percentage of patients. That’s why your first dose of immunotherapy is administered at the clinic and you stay under medical supervision for the following 30 minutes. If you are doing at-home treatment, your doctor will train you on how to use an epinephrine auto-injector (“epipen”) and educate you on the telltale signs of anaphylaxis.
Pros and Cons of Allergy Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is not for everyone. For many patients, the prospect of lasting relief makes the commitment worthwhile. Others may prefer to manage symptoms with medications alone, at least for the moment. There's no single right answer, only the choice that fits your life, your health, and your goals.
What immunotherapy offers:
- Long-lasting relief that continues after treatment ends
- Can reduce or eliminate the need for daily medications
- May help improve asthma triggered by allergies
What to consider:
- Treatment typically spans three to five years
- Allergy shots require regular office visits, especially during the build-up phase
- Results are gradual, not immediate
- Not effective for all types of allergies, particularly food allergies
- Out-of-pocket costs vary depending on insurance
If you have questions about whether immunotherapy is right for you, we are here to help.
Allergy Immunotherapy in Louisville, KY
At Advanced ENT and Allergy, we offer comprehensive allergy testing and immunotherapy services across our Louisville, Central Kentucky, and Southern Indiana locations. Our team provides the expertise and support you need throughout your treatment, whether you are doing shots, drops or tablets. With the right approach, lasting relief is within reach. Schedule an appointment to get started!
