Allergy Immunotherapy in the United States: An Overview of Treatment Approaches and Patient Considerations
Allergy immunotherapy is a long‑term medical treatment designed to reduce the immune system’s sensitivity to allergens — substances that trigger allergic reactions such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or animal dander. Instead of simply treating symptoms with antihistamines or nasal sprays, immunotherapy aims to change the underlying allergic response through controlled exposure to allergens. Over time, this “training” helps the immune system tolerate these substances, leading to fewer and milder allergic reactions.
The two main types of allergy immunotherapy practiced today in the United States are allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy or SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). Allergy shots are the most traditional and widely used form. They involve injections of gradually increasing doses of allergen extracts, tailored to the individual’s specific sensitivities as determined by skin or blood testing. This process typically begins with weekly injections during a “build‑up” phase, followed by less frequent maintenance injections over three to five years. The goal is to desensitize the immune system, reduce symptom severity, and potentially prevent the development of new allergies or allergic asthma.