Ankeny Immunotherapy Treatments
How Immunotherapy Can Help Alleviate Your Allergy Symptoms
If you are battling allergies, then you know all too well how frustrating it can be when it sends you into a sneezing, itchy eye, runny nose fit. Unfortunately, your body is treating this otherwise harmless element like it’s an invader, which stimulates the immune system to release histamines to fight the allergen. Unfortunately, this leaves you blowing your nose and rubbing your eyes most of the day.
If you’ve been battling allergy symptoms for a while now and you aren’t experiencing lasting or adequate relief through over-the-counter or prescription treatment options, then you may be wondering if immunotherapy (AKA allergy shots) is right for you.
Allergy shots are a long-term therapy that helps to decrease the body’s response to an allergen over time. This can be a benefit to those dealing with allergic asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, and pet or insect allergies, as they often experience more severe allergic reactions. Allergy shots are effective and beneficial for both children (over the age of five) and adults.
Wondering if our immunotherapy treatments in Ankeny may be right for you? Call us at (515) 619-5179 today to schedule an appointment!
What to Expect During Your Immunotherapy Treatment
If you and your allergist determine that immunotherapy is right for you, here’s what to expect from this treatment process.
There are two phases to immunotherapy: the build-up phase and the maintenance phase. During the build-up phase, our allergists will continue to gradually increase the amount of the allergen that your body is exposed to with each set of injections. These injections are usually administered once per week though some patients may require them as many as two times per week.
Before you start your treatment, we will determine your target dose, as this varies from person to person. The build-up phase may be reached in as little as three to six months.
Once the target dose is reached, we will begin the maintenance phase of your treatment. This means that you won’t need to come in as often for treatment (usually about every 2-4 weeks). The maintenance phase is the longest part of the treatment, taking anywhere from 3 to 5 years.
The reason so many people turn to immunotherapy is that it can often provide patients with remission from their symptoms, sometimes for life. So, while the length of treatment is longer than other allergy treatments, the effects are lasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly will I notice an improvement in my allergy symptoms?
Most patients in Ankeny begin to feel a noticeable reduction in symptoms within the first 6 to 12 months of immunotherapy treatment, typically as they transition into the maintenance phase. By the second year, the benefits become much more pronounced, and by the third year, many patients find they no longer have significant reactions to their triggers.
Are there any activities I should avoid immediately after getting my allergy shots?
We recommend that patients avoid vigorous exercise, hot showers, or saunas for at least two hours following their appointment. Increased body heat and blood flow can cause the allergen serum to be absorbed into your system more rapidly, which may increase the likelihood of a local or systemic reaction.
How do I know if I am a good candidate for Immunotherapy treatment?
Ideal candidates are those who suffer from moderate to severe symptoms for several months of the year, those who find that medications are ineffective or cause unwanted side effects, or those who wish to avoid a lifetime of daily pills. A simple skin prick test at our Ankeny office will confirm if your symptoms are truly allergic and if immunotherapy is the right path for you.
If you are wondering whether you could benefit from immunotherapy in Ankeny, IA, talk with our allergists today to learn more. Call Allergy Institute P.C. at (515) 619-5179 to schedule a consultation.
Allergy Treatments Tailored For You
Treatments We Offer
Hear From Our Happy Patients
At Allergy Institute PC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our patients have to say about working with us.
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"Addresses concerns and questions in a calm and caring way."I have been very impressed with Dr. Alkhatib. He is thorough and addresses concerns and questions in a calm and caring way. I have seen major improvements in overall health and well being since being under his care. I feel very fortunate to have found the Allergy Institute and glad I stumbled upon them on Google reviews. I highly recommend this clinic!Garrett B.
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"They have a bright and clean atmosphere with very kind staff"The Ankeny Allergy Institute is an incredible establishment. They have a bright and clean atmosphere with very kind staff, willing to help however they can. I regularly stop in for allergy shots, which they have made a quick and easy process, being able to call ahead and come in when most convenient for me. I highly recommend the Ankeny Allergy Institute for any of your allergy needs.Evie N.
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"Staff Is Thorough & Compassionate"Great experience! The staff is thorough and compassionate and provided excellent care for our 8 month old. We were seen for a food allergy and no question was left unanswered. We would definitely recommend them to family and friends.Lindsey L.
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"They take the time to really get to know their patients"Everyone is so kind whenever i go in for my shots! Front desk always takes the time to talk to me about my day. I’m not the biggest fan when it comes to any type of needle but the ladies here know how to make it as comfortable of an experience as they can each time i go in! They take the time to really get to know their patients and make every visit worth going to!Michelle T.
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"One big cohesive family"I have been with this facility since 2014. They have taken care of me in any way possible to make sure that I feel healthy and happy. As part of the family I have also brought my family here, and it is one big cohesive family. Which I love and hope never goes away. Carrie is the best.Tammie P.
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"Thorough, respectful, and genuinely caring"Love, love, LOVE my injector Carrie, along with Sarafina and Kelsey! Dr. Abosaida is incredible: thorough, respectful, and genuinely caring. I’ve already noticed improvement in my allergies, even this early in my treatment plan. So excited to keep going and finally get relief from constant allergies!Abby R.
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"Best Experience"Best experience I think I have ever had with a doctor and clinic. They really took the time to listen and figure out what was going on. I appreciate their time, efforts and sincerity in making sure I felt better.Melissa B.
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"Persistent care"He was the fourth Dr. I had been to, with a horrible cough. I did have some allergies but he said it shouldn’t be doing this to me. Then he said “I can see how sick you are and I’m not going to stop until I figure out what’s wrong with you”. He didn’t either, turned out I had lung cancer and he got me where I needed to be immediately. He probably Literally saved my life!Brenda B.
Why We're The Best
Allergy Institute PC
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We Are Open Every Saturday for Shot Patients
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We Have A Passionate & Caring Staff
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We Open Earlier & Stay Open Later For Your Convenience
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We Have Personalized Services For Every Patient
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