Allergy immunotherapy can seem like a light in the dark for those plagued by chronic allergies. After all, it’s known for its remarkable results. It has helped so many people transform their lives by helping them achieve an allergen-specific tolerance that alleviates their allergies. But how long does it take? It’s not a quick fix. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Allergy Immunotherapy?
Allergy immunotherapy (AIT) is a treatment that “trains” your immune system to be less reactive to allergens. It works by introducing small, controlled quantities of whatever allergen you’re allergic to over a period of time, slowly increasing the dose to improve that tolerance.
There are two main types of allergy immunotherapy: sublingual and subcutaneous. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) works by administering allergy drops or dissolvable tablets containing the allergen under your tongue. Your oral mucosa absorbs the allergens, giving your immune system the opportunity to build a tolerance.
The second type, subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), works by injecting a dose of the allergen under your skin. This type, better known as allergy shots, is more widespread and most common among adults.
The Allergy Immunotherapy Timeline
The specific timeline of allergy immunotherapy varies from one person to the next since everybody is different. While the exact length of time you spend in each phase might vary, the phases remain the same:
Phase 1: Consultation and Testing
The first stage involves your initial consultation and testing. You’ll visit your allergist or immunologist, where you’ll share your medical history and discuss your symptoms. Your physician will complete allergy testing, which usually involves skin prick tests or blood tests, which will give them a better idea of what you’re dealing with.
With this information, your doctor will create a personalized AIT plan.
Duration: 1-2 weeks
Phase 2: Build-Up Phase
In this phase, you’ll begin your allergy immunotherapy journey. During this period, you’ll receive small, incrementally increasing doses of the allergen.
If you go with allergy shots, you’ll likely receive one (or more) shot per week. You’ll need to visit your allergist for each dose, as these must be administered under medical supervision. If you opt for allergy drops, you can take your prescribed dose at home as directed by your allergist.
You might notice mild symptom improvement in the first couple of months, but it’s important to remember that more substantial improvement takes time. You may also notice some side effects, especially in the first few weeks, including redness or swelling at the injection site (allergy shots) or an itchy throat (allergy drops).
Duration: 3-6 months
Phase 3: Maintenance Phase
Once you’ve achieved your maintenance dose—the largest dose your body can tolerate without having a reaction—you will reach the maintenance phase. This is the longest but most rewarding phase of immunotherapy.
If you’re doing allergy shots, you’ll likely scale back to monthly doses, although this might vary based on the specifics of your allergy. If you’re doing allergy drops, you may scale back to a few doses a week. However, in some cases, your allergist may have you continue to take your drops or tablets daily.
This is where the real improvements start to become apparent. Most patients start to see noticeable symptom relief within the first year of maintenance, although it can take two years for some to achieve the full benefits.
In this stage, your immune system will continue to work on becoming tolerant to the substances causing your allergy. As it does, you may find that you develop fewer symptoms and require less allergy medications, such as antihistamines or decongestants.
This phase is the most relevant for the development of long-term allergy tolerance. It’s important to comply with your doctor’s treatment instructions and follow up as directed.
Duration: 3-5 years
Phase 4: Long-Term Results
In this phase, you’ll enjoy the fruits of your efforts and commitment to your treatment. For many, this phase offers reduced or even eliminated allergy symptoms, allowing them to enjoy life without the cloud of allergy symptoms.
Some people may need to continue the maintenance phase indefinitely, but many can cease treatment altogether without losing the results.
Duration: 5+ years (post-treatment)
Factors that Influence How Long AIT Takes to Work
For most people, allergy immunotherapy falls within the general timeline. However, since your allergies are unique to you, the exact amount of time AIT takes to work varies. Factors that can affect this include:
- Type of allergen: Some allergens, like pollen, will have a quicker reaction from immunotherapy compared to others, like mold or pet dander.
- Treatment plan adherence: It’s important to stick to your doctor’s advice throughout the program. If you constantly miss doses or stop midway, you’re unlikely to see the full effects.
- Individual immune response: Everybody is different. Each person’s immune system may react differently, so the results might vary from one person to the next.
Tips for Staying on Track During Treatment
Many of us are used to instant gratification, and with immunotherapy, that simply doesn’t happen. You won’t see results overnight, not in a day, a week, or even a month. The most noticeable results take time to appear, and that can be discouraging. So, to keep yourself on track, try these tips:
- Set realistic expectations: Remember, no immediate results will appear. Set yourself up for success by recognizing that improvements will be gradual.
- Track your symptoms: Keep a symptom diary. This can help you start to see that things are improving, even if it is gradual.
- Stay in contact with your allergist: Regularly touch base with your allergist. They can help you better understand what to expect and offer reassurance that the treatment is going as it should.
- Celebrate your success: Celebrate the little wins, whether that be needing less allergy medication or having fewer reactions throughout the allergy season.
A Timeline Worth the Commitment
Allergy immunotherapy is a transformative treatment that can offer long-term results to those experiencing chronic allergies. Though the treatment requires time and patience, the reward of fewer symptoms, an improved quality of life, and long-term tolerance to allergens is well worth the effort.
Understanding what to expect from the timeline beforehand can help you better prepare for your treatment regimen. Remember, it takes time, so be patient with your immune system! While it’s a long road to lasting relief, the journey is worth the destination.
As with any new treatment, remember to chat with your doctor or allergist first. They can help you choose the right type of allergy immunotherapy for your needs.
