Can immunotherapy help you?

Immunotherapy works this way: At first, you receive a small dose of vaccine made from the very pollen or substance to which you are allergic. This prompts your body’s immune system to develop mild resistance to that particular allergen.

Gradually, the amount of vaccine you receive is increased. In response, your body becomes even more resistant to the allergen until, eventually, you are easily able to ward off the intruder.

At this point, it doesn’t matter that an allergen like grass pollen fills the air you breathe – you usually feel terrific and show no signs of allergy. Some patients go into full, permanent remission after five or more years of regularly administered injections and are never again bothered by their former allergies.

However, immunotherapy requires strict compliance with the treatment plan. If you skip vaccination appointments or suddenly stop receiving vaccinations before the treatment course is completed, your protections against the onslaught of pollen and other microscopic environmental substances to which you’re allergic will quickly fade.