{"id":254,"date":"2021-06-07T18:18:51","date_gmt":"2021-06-07T23:18:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entmidwest.fm1.dev\/immunotherapy\/"},"modified":"2022-10-13T13:40:08","modified_gmt":"2022-10-13T18:40:08","slug":"immunotherapy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/entmidwest.com\/allergist\/immunotherapy\/","title":{"rendered":"Immunotherapy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [{\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What is Immunotherapy?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"People who suffer from allergies that don\u2019t respond to medical treatment may find relief from immunotherapy, a method of building tolerance to an allergen by introducing it to the body in small doses over a period of time. It is usually given as injections (allergy shots), but can also be taken orally. When ingested, it is known as sublingual immunotherapy, or allergy drops.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How Do Allergy Shots Work?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) are the most common form of immunotherapy. They can be used as a long-term treatment for seasonal, indoor and insect sting allergies. They work by getting your body used to the allergen slowly, with the hopes that you will develop an immunity or tolerance to the allergen. The process takes place in two phases, the build-up phase and the maintenance phase. The build-up phase involves a small amount of the allergen being injected into the upper arm once or twice a week for a few months. The dosage is gradually increased at each visit. The length of the build-up phase depends entirely on your body\u2019s reaction. Once you have reached the effective dose, typically the most you can handle without showing symptoms, the maintenance phase will begin. The dosage is no longer increased at each visit and the number of shots is decreased. The maintenance phase involves an allergy shot once every month for three to five years. \"\n }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"Are There Any Risks with Allergy Shots?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Since allergy shots contain a substance you are allergic to, there are some risks involved. Swelling and redness usually develop at the site of injection but are quick to clear up. Sneezing, nasal congestion and hives may develop as well as more severe reactions such as wheezing or chest-tightness. Anaphylaxis, the most serious reaction, rarely occurs.\"\n}\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Can I Expect from Allergy Shots?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Allergy symptoms will not improve overnight; symptoms will typically improve over the first year of treatment and continue to improve over the next few years. The shots may even decrease symptoms for other allergens and prevent new allergies from developing.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How Do Allergy Drops Work? \",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"The principle of allergy drops is the same as allergy shots. It is a long-term treatment that decreases symptoms by increasing the body\u2019s immunity. The patient drips liquid containing allergens under the tongue and holds it there for one to two minutes before swallowing. This is a more convenient option than allergy shots for many patients because allergy drops can be safely administered at home rather than at the doctor\u2019s office. The dose varies by patient depending on several factors, including severity of allergies and sensitivity to allergy drop dosages. Patients generally self-administer treatments between three and seven days per week for an average of three to five years. The goal is to build up the body\u2019s immunity to allergens so the patient no longer experiences symptoms once the treatment is over.\"\n}\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"Are There Any Risks with Allergy Drops?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Like all medical procedures, there are possible risks and side effects. However, these are generally mild, ranging from localized itching in the mouth to intestinal discomfort, which often goes away after several weeks.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Can I Expect from Allergy Drops?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Allergy drops are an important new treatment option for patients constantly refilling over-the-counter allergy medications or taking daily trips to the doctor\u2019s office for allergy shots. Currently, allergy drops are effective for treating asthma related to dust mites, as well as allergies to grass, ragweed, pet dander and tree pollen. Researchers hope to expand the treatment\u2019s effectiveness for other allergies such as hay fever, eczema and food sensitivities.\"\n }\n }\n ]\n  }\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Build Your Natural Allergy Resistance With Immunotherapy&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many patients in the greater St. Louis area have moderate-to-severe allergies, with seasonal or year-round symptoms that cannot be fully controlled with environmental control and medications. For these patients, immunotherapy (allergy shots and drops) can be life-changing treatments. As the name implies, immunotherapy works by re-educating the immune system to tolerate\u2014rather than dramatically overreact to\u2014each patient\u2019s specific allergenic triggers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Immunotherapy is accomplished by carefully exposing allergic patients to measured, gradually increasing amounts of allergens. Over time, the immune systems of these patients become much less sensitive to these pollens, molds and other allergens\u2014treating the cause of allergy rather than masking the symptoms. In fact, allergy medicines treat symptoms, only immunotherapy actually treats the cause.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are the Benefits of Immunotherapy?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As the allergens are better tolerated, symptoms and medication use decrease\u2014and both have the potential to be eliminated. In fact, immunotherapy is the only allergy treatment with the potential to cure allergic disease. Immunotherapy has been shown to have the following benefits, which usually begin within the first few months of treatment:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Significant improvement in allergic symptoms and ear, nose &amp; throat related quality of life&nbsp;<\/li><li>Decreased allergy medication use&nbsp;<\/li><li>Improved asthma control in asthmatic patients&nbsp;<\/li><li>Prevention of progression to more advanced allergic disease (eczema, asthma &amp; allergic rhinitis)\u2014especially in children&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Does It Work?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With immunotherapy, allergens are introduced to the body either with a small shot under the skin or with drops of extract placed under the tongue. White blood cells then create circulating antibodies directed against these allergens, much like an immunization. For the patient on immunotherapy, allergens in the nose are immediately attacked and neutralized by these protective antibodies\u2014and no longer produce a histamine response. Without histamine constantly being released into the nose, symptoms diminish dramatically.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Long Does Treatment Last?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Though immunotherapy is usually remarkably effective shortly after beginning the treatment, the primary goal is excellent long-term symptom control. While your specific treatment goals and plan will be formulated by your Midwest ENT physician, ideal long-term improvement usually requires treatment with allergy shots or drops over time. Research indicates that with 3-5 years of treatment (most of which can be done at home), the immune systems of most patients can be permanently trained to tolerate allergens that once made these patients miserable. Immunotherapy, properly done, should give excellent symptom control with less reliance on medications now and indefinitely in the future.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is some inherent risk of causing an allergic reaction anytime an allergic patient is exposed to something to which they are sensitive. Rest assured that your safety is our primary concern. Through education, close monitoring and training, our staff will assure you receive the most up-to-date and effective allergic treatments in the safest possible setting.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choosing Your Immunotherapy Treatment: Subcutaneous (\u201cAllergy Shots\u201d) vs. Sublingual (\u201cAllergy Drops\u201d) Immunotherapy&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your Midwest ENT physician will determine if you are likely to benefit from allergy immunotherapy based on your history, examination and allergy test. If you are a candidate, you may then choose which method of immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops) is best for you. Regardless of which option you choose, remember immunotherapy is a commitment\u2014one that more than 90% of patients are very happy they\u2019ve made. Consider allergy treatment a worthy (and cost-effective) investment into your long-term health. Most will be on home shots or drops for 3-5 years (and many will not need any other allergy medicines during this time), but recent research indicates most will enjoy many years of symptom-free relief after completing the program.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Allergy Shots (Subcutaneous Immunotherapy, or SCIT)\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Allergy shots (SCIT) have proven very effective for most patients with severe allergies or those who do not receive appropriate relief from allergy medicines. Shots are formulated based on the \u201crecipe\u201d gathered from that specific patient\u2019s allergy test\u2014so each person\u2019s shot vial is as unique to them as their fingerprint. For safety reasons, weekly allergy injections start at low concentrations and \u201cescalate\u201d to more concentrated doses as tolerated. During this escalation process, patients must receive injections here at Midwest ENT Centre to be briefly monitored for swelling or other reactions to the shot. Once this escalation process is complete, patients then receive weekly \u201cmaintenance shots\u201d consisting of the same amount of allergen each time. Most patients will be given the option of self-administering maintenance injections at home from allergy vials kept in their own refrigerators. The process of training the immune system to be \u201cless allergic\u201d takes time, but is well worth the effort.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Allergy Shots At Midwest ENT | Allergy Care St. Peters\" width=\"1400\" height=\"788\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/WgJTQWg2tm8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Allergy Drops (Sublingual Immunotherapy, or SLIT)\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In past decades, allergy shots were the only option for patients requiring immunotherapy. At Midwest ENT Centre, we understand that some of our very allergic patients (especially children) may be \u201cneedle-phobic,\u201d and some may have schedules that prevent them from coming into the office for 10-30 consecutive weeks for allergy shot escalation, or \u201cbuild-up.\u201d To give these patients an option for effective treatment, Midwest ENT Centre offers sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). SLIT has been proven to deliver the benefits of allergy shots in a pain-free, convenient manner. With SLIT, drops containing allergens are placed under the tongue, held in place for 2 minutes and swallowed. Similar to allergy shots, SLIT gradually desensitizes the immune system to the allergens that had been provoking it, significantly improving symptoms and decreasing the need for allergy medicines over time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who Can Benefit From SLIT?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some patients well-suited for SLIT include the following:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Those with work\/school conflicts that prevent them from in-office escalation of shot therapy in the office\u00a0<\/li><li>Patients at higher risk for adverse events during the course of SCIT escalation\/therapy:\u00a0<\/li><li>Moderate-severe asthmatics\u00a0<\/li><li>Patients with unacceptably large local shot reactions\u00a0<\/li><li>Out-of-town college students\u00a0<\/li><li>Needle-phobic patients\u00a0<\/li><li>Pediatric patients\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>SLIT is exceedingly safe. In fact, documented cases of anaphylaxis with sublingual treatment are exceedingly rare. Since it is so safe, all treatment\u2014both escalation and maintenance\u2014can be done fully at home. Patients need only come to the office for periodic allergy reviews. For select patients, SLIT offers symptom improvement with minimal inconvenience or imposition\u2014and without needles.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please consult the following table to learn more:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"644\" height=\"542\" src=\"https:\/\/entmidwest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/image.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1521\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information about the SLIT program, please see our SLIT frequently asked questions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/entmidwest.com\/assets\/themes\/omni-bp\/pdf\/SLIT%20Patient%20FAQ.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>SLIT program Frequently asked questions<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Get Started on Immunotherapy at Midwest ENT Centre&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you and your Midwest ENT Centre physician decide that allergy shots are right for you, here are a few tips to help you get started:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>If you agreed to start allergy shots during your post-test appointment with your doctor, the allergy department has already been notified and will start processing your vial shortly. If you decide at a later time to start shots recommended to you at your appointment, simply call the allergy department at 636.441.6012 to order the vial and start the program.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Call the allergy department 7-10 days after the order is placed to make sure your custom-mixed allergy serum vial is ready for your first injection.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You may come in anytime during our allergy shot hours for your first (or any subsequent) shot. Shots are given on a walk-in basis and usually there is little to no wait. No appointments for shots are necessary. Allergy shot hours are as follows:&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Monday: 12:30 PM \u2013 5:30 PM&nbsp;<\/li><li>Tuesday: 12:00PM\u202f \u2013 4:30 PM&nbsp;<\/li><li>Wednesday: 8:30 AM \u2013 1:00 PM&nbsp;<\/li><li>Thursday: 12:30 PM \u2013 5:30 PM&nbsp;<\/li><li>Friday: 9:00 AM \u2013 1:00 PM&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Most shots will be given in the upper arms, so remember to wear clothes that will allow the nurses easy access to your arms.\u00a0<\/li><li>It is normal for the injection site to swell some after each shot. Taking an antihistamine 30 minutes prior to the injection or icing the site after the shot can help.\u00a0<\/li><li>For quickest improvement and maximum benefit and safety, you need to get your shots every 5-11 days. You may choose which day of the week to come in, and it need not be the same day each week.\u00a0<\/li><li>Shots given sooner than 5 days from the date of the last shot can lead to higher risk of adverse reactions to your shots.\u00a0<\/li><li>If too much time (\u226512 days) elapses since your last shot, you may need to repeat the same dose as the previous shot\u2014prolonging the shot dose escalation process.\u00a0<\/li><li>Home injections may be available for some patients once the dose has been safely escalated to the appropriate level in the office. See the nursing staff for details.\u00a0<\/li><li>Remember that you will need to see your doctor at least once yearly while on the allergy shot program.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have settled on treatment with allergy sublingual drops, contact the allergy department at 636.441.6012 to arrange for payment, mixing and delivery. Drop vials can be mailed directly to your door and can be done entirely at home.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Call Midwest ENT Centre at <a href=\"tel:+16364413100\" class=\"phone \"><span class=\"phone-number\">(636) 441-3100<\/span><\/a> for more information or to schedule an appointment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Build Your Natural Allergy Resistance With Immunotherapy&nbsp; Many patients in the greater St. Louis area have moderate-to-severe allergies, with seasonal or year-round symptoms that cannot be fully controlled with environmental control and medications. For these patients, immunotherapy (allergy shots and drops) can be life-changing treatments. As the name implies, immunotherapy works by re-educating the immune&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":658,"parent":255,"menu_order":4,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"service_tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/entmidwest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/254"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/entmidwest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/entmidwest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entmidwest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entmidwest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=254"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/entmidwest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/254\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1522,"href":"https:\/\/entmidwest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/254\/revisions\/1522"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entmidwest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/255"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entmidwest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/658"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/entmidwest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=254"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"service_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entmidwest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/service_tags?post=254"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}