Allergy Immunotherapy: Relief that is Nothing to Sneeze at | BioSpace

Originally published Feb 27, 2020

*Achoo*

Muddling through a stuffy, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes? You aren’t alone — over 17.6 million American adults (about 7.5%) experience allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever or seasonal allergies). Many different substances (called allergens) can trigger allergic rhinitis, such as tree or grass pollen, and each person has their own set of problematic allergens.

The constant annoying symptoms of seasonal allergies can really be a nuisance to sufferers. Fortunately, there are lots of over-the-counter allergy options in your local pharmacy: decongestants reduce your stuffiness temporarily but shouldn’t be used long-term (Sudafed, Claritin-D, Afrin), antihistamines block histamine, a symptom-causing chemical released after you’re exposed to an antigen (Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec), nasal steroids suppress allergy-induced inflammation in the nose (Flonase, Nasacort, Nasonex), and saline nasal rinses clear out mucus and allergens.

Unfortunately, those drugs all provide temporary relief by addressing the symptoms and immune system overreaction but don’t address the underlying issue: allergen oversensitivity. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT), such as allergy shots, can treat the underlying sensitivity and…