Beyond Antihistamines: How Immunotherapy Can Change Allergies Long-Term

For many people in Topeka and the surrounding Kansas communities, allergies are more than just a minor inconvenience. Seasonal pollen, year-round dust, mold, and pet dander can cause persistent sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, sinus pressure, and fatigue. These symptoms often interfere with sleep, work, school, and overall quality of life.

While over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications can help manage symptoms some, they don’t treat the underlying cause. At Topeka Ear, Nose, and Throat, we offer immunotherapy for allergies—a treatment option designed to provide long-term relief by addressing the root of allergic disease, not just the symptoms.

What is Immunotherapy for Allergies?

Allergy immunotherapy is an allergy treatment that works by exposing the patient to small doses of an allergen. This exposure is a long-term treatment approach that builds a patient’s tolerance to allergens by gradually increasing doses over a set period. The process works like a vaccine, retraining a patient’s immune system to stop overreacting to the allergen and reducing symptoms. 

Types of Allergy Immunotherapy:

Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT)

Subcutaneous Immunotherapy is given in the form of an allergy shot in the doctor’s office. The shots are given weekly during the build-up phase, which typically lasts from 3-6 months. The patient will then enter the maintenance phase and receive a monthly injection for 3-5 years.

This treatment is designed to help with allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and allergic asthma triggered by environmental allergens, including tree, grass, and weed pollens; mold spores; dust mites; animal dander; and insect venom (bees, wasps).

Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) treats environmental allergies—specifically pollens (trees, grass, weeds/ragweed), dust mites, mold, and pet dander (cat/dog)—by placing tablets under the tongue. 

The treatment option can be conveniently taken at home.  However, to date, the FDA has only approved a few types of SLIT to treat dust mites, ragweed, Timothy grass, or a five-grass combination.

What to Expect as an Allergy Patient at Topeka Ear, Nose, and Throat

The allergy treatment process typically begins with a comprehensive allergy evaluation, including testing to identify your specific triggers. Based on your results, our providers develop a personalized immunotherapy plan tailored to your needs.

Treatment includes:

• A build-up phase, with gradually increasing doses over several months

• A maintenance phase, where consistent dosing continues over several years

Many patients begin to notice symptom improvement within the first year of treatment, with continued benefits over time. Regular follow-up appointments help ensure safety, effectiveness, and long-term success.

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Benefits of Immunotherapy

Patients who undergo allergy immunotherapy at Topeka Ear, Nose, and Throat often experience:

• Reduces or eliminates allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, wheezing).

• Decreases the need for allergy medications.

• Can prevent the development of asthma in some children with hay fever.

• Provides long-term relief, potentially lasting beyond treatment.

By treating the underlying cause of allergies, immunotherapy offers a proactive approach that helps patients enjoy life with fewer interruptions from allergy symptoms. If you suffer from year-round allergy symptoms, call the allergy experts at Topeka Ear, Nose, and Throat for a consultation. 

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