Allergies can impact people at various stages in their life and with varying degrees of aggravation. Atlanta allergy sufferers looking to reduce the chances of an allergic reaction find themselves asking about the differences between allergy shots and rush immunotherapy treatment.
Allergy triggers are unpredictable, with allergenic substances including pollen, medications, food and insect stings that can cause minor to extremely severe reactions. This uncertainty makes finding the best and fastest remedies a real necessity.
Allergy Shots Versus Rush Immunotherapy – Which Is Better?
Rush immunotherapy benefits patients thanks to its fast results. You will reduce the number of doctor visits for allergy shots, plus build up a tolerance more quickly. With traditional immunotherapy, taking allergy shots is a more gradual process, but due to the longer time-frame involved, the risks are lower. Know that rush immunotherapy is often used for life-threatening allergies that are difficult to control.
To really understand the difference between allergy shots and rush immunotherapy, and to find out which is better for your own personal situation, you must first understand each allergy treatment option.
What Are Allergy Shots?
An allergy shot, also called immunotherapy treatment, is a subcutaneous injection of small amounts of the triggering allergen. Allergy sufferers will receive periodic injections that desensitize the immune system to the allergen, thus reducing the chances of an allergic reaction – and relieving the stress that comes from being constantly on guard against exposure. A gradual increase in the dose helps your body to build up a tolerance. The allergy injections are delivered under medical supervision to carefully monitor for any negative side effects.
The small levels of the allergen in each shot means the risks are low. However, since you will be interacting with the allergen, occasionally there may be swelling, redness and other similar responses from your body.
Allergy shots can be administered for many allergenic substances, including the allergens below.
- Pollen
- Mold
- Allergic Asthma
- Dust
- Insect Bites and Stings
What Is Rush Immunotherapy?
Rush immunotherapy is similar to allergy shots in many ways. A doctor injects small amounts of allergens to build up a tolerance that reduces the chances of future allergic reactions. So what’s the main difference? It is the length of time for the patient to get results. Rush immunotherapy can take place in a matter of days or weeks, whereas a course of allergy shots can take months, and the maintenance continues for around 3–5 years.
During rush immunotherapy, the first build-up day can last approximately six hours. The shots are concentrated into a much shorter time frame, with your doctor monitoring you closely for any signs of an allergic reaction. Your return visit to the clinic will follow a similar process that takes an individual to the maintenance phase of the treatment. The process is safe and can quickly deliver rapid desensitization. As always, you and your doctor will determine the best treatment for you.
The most common allergies treated with rush immunotherapy include the following.
- Pollen
- Pet Dander
- Mold
- Insect Stings
What Is the Best Solution for Treating Allergies?
A consultation with your local Atlanta allergy doctor can help determine the right course of action. Make an appointment at the Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center nearest you today. We have locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. We’re here to help – give us a call at 678-668-4688.
