What is Allergy Immunotherapy?
Allergy immunotherapy treatment (AIT) is a preventive treatment for those with allergic reactions to elements such as grass pollens, house dust mites, pet dander and bee venom. Patients undergoing allergy immunotherapy are given gradually increasing doses of the allergens causing their allergic reaction. Immunotherapy is usually recommended if a patient tests positive for sensitivity to several allergens.1
How Does AIT Work?
Incremental increases of the allergen cause the immune system to become less sensitive to the substance, which reduces allergy symptoms when the element is encountered in the future. Immunotherapy also reduces the inflammation that characterizes rhinitis and asthma.1
AIT is a Long-Term Treatment For Allergies
Allergy shots, also known as subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), are the most commonly used and most effective form of allergy immunotherapy. SCIT is the only treatment available that actually changes the immune system, making it possible to prevent the development of new allergies and asthma.1
AIT Antigens
Allergy shots contain trace amounts of the antigens that trigger an allergic reaction from the immune system. By gradually increasing the dosage, the body develops an immunity and/or tolerance over time. HollisterStier Allergy manufactures the antigens used in the testing and treatment of allergies.
Turning various source materials into high-quality, reliable allergenic extracts is a time-intensive, hands-on process that benefits not only from knowledge and expertise, but also experience, and HollisterStier Allergy has been doing it since 1921.