Allergy relief is a few shots away,
The AAAAI urges seasonal allergy sufferers to consider immunotherapy

MILWAUKEE – For seasonal allergy sufferers, the cold winter weather brings much needed relief from watery eyes and runny noses. But with the peak allergy season around the corner, few allergy sufferers find time to relax. Rather than dreading the months ahead, a technique called immunotherapy, or allergy shots, may rid their suffering once and for all.

What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is an effective form of treatment aimed at increasing the tolerance to the allergens that trigger a person's allergy symptoms. The treatment is ultimately successful in up to 90% of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).

Immunotherapy also has been shown to prevent the development of new allergies, and in children, it can prevent the progression of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Patients receiving immunotherapy treatment showed improved symptoms such as reduced use of medications and better lung function.

When is the best time to start?
“Immunotherapy should be started at a time of the year when the allergic individual has minimal symptoms,” said Linda Cox, MD, a Fellow of the AAAAI and chair of its Immunotherapy and Allergy Diagnostics Committee. “For the seasonal allergy sufferer, that time of year is generally the winter months.”

Allergy sufferers interested in immunotherapy treatment should consult with an allergist/immunologist, who is the specialist trained in the safety issues pertaining to immunotherapy. “A board certified allergist has completed a specialized two to three year training program/fellowship focused on the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases,” said Dr. Cox.

Is it right for me?
Immunotherapy isn't for everyone. An allergist/immunologist will discuss all of your allergy treatment options with you, including immunotherapy, medications and allergy avoidance. He or she will take a though history and conduct tests to determine what is triggering your symptoms and work with you to see if immunotherapy is right for you.

The decision to begin immunotherapy will be based on several factors including:

• Length of allergy season in the patient's region
• Severity of symptoms
• How well medications and/or environmental controls improve allergy symptoms
• Desire to avoid long-term allergy medication use
• Time – immunotherapy will require commitment
• Cost – may vary on region and insurance coverage

AAAAI Topic of the Month - Immunotherapy
For more information on immunotherapy, check out the February Topic of the Month feature on the AAAAI Web site. The feature serves to educate the public by offering:

• Better understanding of what immunotherapy is
• Importance and benefits to starting immunotherapy
• Precautions an allergy sufferer can take

To find an allergist/immunologist in your area or to find additional information on immunotherapy, call the AAAAI's Physician Referral and Information Line at (800) 822-2762 or visit the AAAAI's Web site at www.aaaai.org

The AAAAI represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 6,500 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries. The AAAAI serves as an advocate to the public by providing educational information and a physician referral directory through its Web site at www.aaaai.org.

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