Allergy and Immunotherapy Clinic in Houston

Allergy and immunotherapy in Houston refers to allergy shots and is commonly called allergen immunotherapy. It is a common treatment for seasonal and environmental allergies, which are common problems in Texas.

What is an Allergy?

Technically, an allergy is a hypersensitive response in the body to usually harmless substances like mold, pollen, dust mites, and foods. It is an immune response, identifying these allergens as threats to the body and reacting with symptoms to get rid of the allergen. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, headache, rashes and, in severe cases, anaphylactic shock.

Allergies are separated into two separate classes: IgE mediated and non-IgE mediated. In IgE mediated allergies, the body responds by producing excess amounts of IgE antibodies when the allergen is introduced to the body, and the antibodies are specific to that type of allergen. These antibodies bind to certain mast cells to sensitize the body to the allergen. The next time the allergen is introduced to the body; these mast cells with the IgE antibody then produce histamine and various other chemicals to fight it off, which leads to allergic symptoms that can vary widely.

Allergy and Immunotherapy in Houston

Allergy and immunotherapy in Houston is a form of therapy used to treat mild to moderate reactions to usually harmless allergens. Immunotherapy usually comes in the form of allergy shots, where the ENTAC Houston physician will inject small doses of the allergen under the skin to help the body acclimate to that allergen and get used to it so that the immune response and symptoms are not so uncomfortable, or are eliminated altogether.

Who Can Benefit from Allergy and Immunotherapy in Houston?

Anyone of any age, gender, or ethnicity can benefit from getting this therapy to treat allergies. Children, adolescents, and adults currently receive the treatment with great results; however, it is not typically given to children under the age of five. This is due to the fact that children this young may have a hard time articulating any difficulties they may be having.

The decision to receive allergy and immunotherapy in Houston at ENTAC should be based on the following:

• Length and severity of symptoms
• How well you respond to current medications and treatments
• The desire to eliminate long-term use of medications
• Time available for commitment to the treatment
• Cost

How Effective is Allergy and Immunotherapy?

Allergy shots, or immunotherapy for allergies in Houston, have been clinically shown to decrease symptoms of various types of allergies. Not only can it treat current symptoms, but allergy and immunotherapy has been found to decrease the risk of developing new allergies and decreasing the progression of conditions like asthma and allergic rhinitis. The efficacy of treatment is based on the individual’s length of treatment and the dose they received. To learn more about your options with allergy and immunotherapy in Houston, make an appointment to talk to our ENTAC allergist.

To book an appointment with Otolaryngologists in Houston, contact us at www.entachouston.com.