Dandelion Environmental Allergy Immunotherapy
Treat the allergy, not just the symptoms.
Allergen immunotherapy gradually exposes the immune system to specific environmental allergens with the goal of reducing sensitivity over time.
What is allergen immunotherapy?
Many allergy medications help control symptoms while you take them. Allergen immunotherapy takes a different approach: it gradually exposes your immune system to allergens you are sensitive to in an effort to reduce your allergic response.
It can be used for selected patients with conditions such as:
- Seasonal allergies
- Dust mite allergy
- Allergic rhinitis
- Allergic eye symptoms
- Some forms of allergic asthma
- Stinging insect allergy
Allergy shots can reduce sensitivity and may provide lasting improvement for some patients.
Allergy shots and allergy tablets
Allergy shots
Also known as subcutaneous immunotherapy or SCIT. Small amounts of allergen are given by injection. Treatment usually has two stages:
Build-up
The allergen dose is gradually increased.
Maintenance
Once the target dose is reached, injections are spaced farther apart and continued over a longer period.
Allergy tablets
For certain allergens, sublingual tablets may also be available. The tablet dissolves under the tongue and is taken according to a prescribed schedule.
How do we decide what goes into your treatment?
Your allergist considers:
- Your symptoms
- Allergy testing
- Which allergens you are exposed to
- How severe your symptoms are
- Whether medications are controlling them adequately
- Other medical conditions
Not the same as food OIT and SLIT
Environmental allergy immunotherapy is different from the OIT and SLIT treatments used for food allergy. Those are covered on their own page: Food allergy immunotherapy.
Getting an assessment
Whether immunotherapy is right for you is decided at an allergist assessment.
Assessments are by referral, and patients cannot book directly. Ask your family doctor, walk-in clinic, or another healthcare provider to fax a referral to 416 850 9993. Our team reviews it and contacts you to arrange the appointment.
If you are unsure whether this service applies to you, you are welcome to ask us a question first.