Our Rochester Allergists Specialize in Immunotherapy, One of the Major Breakthroughs in Modern Allergy Treatment
Allergy Immunotherapy is referred to by several different names, including desensitization, hypo-sensitization, and just "allergy shots."
In the immunotherapy process, a series of injections (of gradually increasing doses of allergen extracts) are administered over time. Only the specific substances to which the patient is allergic are used in the extract mix. These include, most commonly: weed, grass, and tree pollens, dust mites and mold spores. Each shot given has a higher dose than the preceding shot until a "maintenance" dose is reached. This higher-level dose is continued for a period of time - generally, one to three years - as allergy symptoms continue to abate.
Partial to complete relief is experienced in about two-thirds of patients. The relief can last for a period of years after the allergy shots are ceased. In some cases, the relief is very long-term.
A patient who embarks on this therapy should make the commitment to see it through. It is time-consuming, and certainly not without cost. Starting immunotherapy, then stopping, then beginning again can be an expensive waste of time.
Before you wave immunotherapy off as being too expensive or too time-consuming... do the math. Think about how much you spend in the course of a year on antihistamines, decongestants, analgesics and similar medications in an attempt to obtain relief. Then, consider how much work you may have missed, or how much leisure time has been wasted!
Certainly, immunotherapy is not the answer for every patient. Some find relief from occasional symptoms through a treatment program of avoidance measures and prescription medications. But, many others sing the praises of allergy shots when, after taking the injections for a period of time, the desensitization begins to kick in and the allergic response is reduced.
We Utilize Advanced Allergy Treatment Pharmaceuticals
In treating our patients, we use the most advanced medications available. We tailor our treatment plan to each patient's needs, recognizing that every patient is different.
You can rest assured that we have the latest pharmaceuticals, which include:
- Allergy Emergency Medications
- Antibiotics
- Antihistamines
- Cough Medications
- Decongestants
- Eye Drops
- G.I. Medications
- Leukotriene Inhibitors
- LABA/SABA Metered Dose Inhalers
- Inhaled Steroids
- Nasal Sprays
- Oral Steroids
- Skin Medications
- Theophylline Medications
- Xolair
- And More
- Nebulizer Solutions for Updraft Machines
Food Elimination Counseling
Food elimination counseling is a mainstay in treating food allergies. We counsel our patients about food elimination diets, such as: yeast-free diet, milk, grain, egg, soy, corn, peanut, and tree nut-free diet, as well as any diet free of food colors, preservatives, and chemicals.
