Allergy Immunotherapy Specialist in Surrey, BC

As a preventative treatment, immunotherapy is effective against allergic reactions caused by allergens such as grass pollen, house dust mites, bee venom, and more. When a person is allergic to a substance, or allergen, immunotherapy involves exposing them to gradually increasing doses of that substance. 

Gradually increasing exposure to the allergen results in the immune system’s sensitivity to the substance declining due to a decrease in the production of the offending antibodies. Additionally, immunotherapy reduces the inflammation associated with rhinitis and asthma.

A patient and allergist identify trigger factors for allergy symptoms before treatment begins. It is sometimes possible to confirm the specific allergens to which a person has antibodies through skin or blood tests. A person with selective hypersensitivity to multiple allergens usually needs immunotherapy.

As a result of allergies, your immune system overreacts, treating harmless substances as threats. By introducing small and safe amounts to your body, treating allergies desensitizes you to these triggers. Similarly, to a vaccine, you develop an immunity over time that reduces your allergy symptoms. 

Treatment for allergies offers excellent results, even if over-the-counter medications no longer work. As your immune system functions better, your body will be able to fight off allergies, and your allergy symptoms will disappear. In contrast to traditional medications, this approach makes allergy treatments highly effective. 

Whereas over-the-counter medications may temporarily mask the symptoms associated with allergies, allergy immunotherapy treats the condition to provide long-term relief. 

The use of allergy treatments is also safe for children five years of age and older, as well as for those experiencing severe allergy symptoms all year round. It has even been shown to improve asthma symptoms and skin conditions that are inflammatory, such as eczema.

You’ll regain a sense of freedom when you undergo allergy treatments as you gain a new immunity and no longer have to practice severe avoidance of allergens. Rather than hiding from allergens or struggling with allergy medications’ side effects, you can face every allergy trigger with just a few, if any, symptoms.  

Immunotherapy can be used to treat a wide range of allergies, it is primarily used in the treatment of seasonal allergies, indoor allergies, and insect stings. 

You may be allergic to pollens released by trees, grasses, or weeds if you have seasonal allergic asthma or hay fever symptoms. Dust mites, cockroaches, mold, and dander from pets may trigger year-round symptoms if you are sensitive to indoor allergens. Bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets can cause allergic reactions to insect stings. When it comes to food allergies, allergy immunotherapy cannot provide comprehensive relief, but it has been effective in nut-based allergies. 

The most common and most effective form of allergy immunotherapy is allergy shots, also known as subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT). Only this treatment is able to alter the immune system, preventing the development of new allergies and asthma attacks. 

Immunotherapy for allergies is used by patients who prefer to reduce or avoid chronic allergies and asthma medications. In addition, allergy immunotherapy is typically more effective for patients who have not been able to control their symptoms with other medications.

Even still, there is no overnight cure for allergy symptoms. Allergy treatment most typically leads to improvements during the first year, but the most significant improvements occur during the second year. Most people stop having significant allergic reactions to the allergens in the shots by the third year.

Many people don’t have significant allergy problems after several years of successful treatment while for others, continuing shots are necessary to control symptoms. Allergy immunotherapy is available at White Rock Naturopathic Clinic. We are conveniently located at #208 – 1676 Martin Dr., Surrey, BC, V4A 6E7. If you’re ready to take control of your health once and for all, contact us or book an appointment online so we can discuss your healthcare needs. We are never too busy to help you! We serve patients from Surrey BC, White Rock BC, Grandview Heights BC, Campbell Heights BC, Newton BC, Morgan Heights BC, and surrounding areas.