Nearly 20% of the U.S. population suffers from hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis. We tend to think of hay fever as an issue primarily affecting us in the spring, summer and fall. When trees in Dupree Park bloom in the spring and ragweed pollen starts floating through the air in the fall, it makes sense that managing your allergy symptoms is top of mind.
Winter is a different story. While plants aren’t blossoming, that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything you can do to combat allergies. Winter is actually a great time to start immunotherapy.
How Does Immunotherapy Work?
Allergy immunotherapy works by introducing allergens to your body in gradually increasing doses. You can choose allergy shots or allergy drops for a less invasive option. Over time, your immune system will develop a tolerance to the allergen, reducing your reaction when you encounter it.
Allergy shots are generally considered more effective and treat a broader range of allergies, but allergy tablets offer a more convenient option for people who can’t come to the clinic every week or month. Allergy tablets are only approved for allergies to certain types of grass, dust mites and ragweed.
Why Is Winter a Great Time To Start Immunotherapy?
Starting immunotherapy in winter is a good idea because it takes time for the treatment to begin lowering your sensitivity. It begins with a buildup phase, during which you receive shots one to three times a week for up to 10 months. Next, you’ll move on to the maintenance phase, where you’ll receive shots about once a month for three to five years.
The amount of time it takes to see symptom relief varies by patient, but most patients experience results within approximately six to 12 months. That means if you start immunotherapy in December, you may see an improvement in your summer or fall allergies the following year.
Can I Start Immunotherapy During Allergy Season?
You can start immunotherapy at any time. If you start it during the summer, you may need to take allergy medication as you wait for your sensitivity to dwindle. However, if you start it in the winter, you may get the benefit of a little more allergy relief by the time summer rolls around.
Schedule Your Allergy Appointment
Starting immunotherapy today will set you up for symptom-free summers in the years to come. For more information on what this treatment entails or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, contact ENT of Georgia North today.
