Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT)
Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT)
ALLERGY TREATMENT
Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT), commonly known as allergy shots, is a medical treatment designed to reduce the symptoms and sensitivity associated with various allergic conditions. It is primarily used to address allergic rhinitis or hay fever, allergic asthma, and allergies to insect stings.
Benefits
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Long-Term Relief. SCIT aims to provide long-lasting relief by targeting the root cause of allergies, rather than just managing symptoms.
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Reduced Dependence on Medications. Successful SCIT can lead to a decreased reliance on allergy medications, such as antihistamines and nasal sprays.
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Prevention of Progression. Allergies can progress to more severe conditions, such as asthma. SCIT may help prevent this progression.
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Personalized Treatment. The treatment is tailored to the individual's specific allergens, providing targeted relief.
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Effective for Multiple Allergens. SCIT can address allergies to multiple allergens in one treatment plan.
Procedure
SCIT involves injecting gradually increasing amounts of allergens under the skin to help the immune system become less sensitive to those allergens over time. As such, SCIT is not a cure for allergic rhinitis or asthma, but rather a treatment that works like a vaccine.
Two phases make up Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT) or allergy shot therapy: a build-up phase and a maintenance phase.
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Build-up phase. An injection may be given once a week (sometimes more often) for about seven months, after which injections can be administered every two weeks. In this phase, you will start with a low-dose injection and build to a higher dose of allergens over time. For typical immunotherapy, this phase lasts from 6 to 10 months, depending on how often you get your shots and how well you tolerate them. The build-up phase for venom therapy generally lasts for 10 weeks.
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Maintenance phase. When you reach your “effective therapeutic dose” you will begin the maintenance phase. During this phase, you receive your allergy shots less often, usually every 3 to 4 weeks. The maintenance phase typically lasts 3-5 years (or longer if advised by your allergist).
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Risks & Complications
Rarely, reactions can affect your entire body. This is referred to as a systemic reaction, and it can be dangerous. For this reason, patients are required to remain in the office for 30 minutes after each shot appointment, particularly as the dosage and potency increase every 3-6 months.
Systemic reactions may include:
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stuffy or runny nose
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sneezing
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cough
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itchy or red eyes and ears
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itching or tightness of the throat
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hives
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flushing
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lightheadedness
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chest tightness
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wheezing,
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and rarely, life-threatening reactions (including difficulty breathing and/or a dangerous drop in blood pressure).
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Most systemic reactions are mild and improve with treatment, but these reactions may become life-threatening. This is why having a treatment planned and administered by a qualified medical professional is essential for a better outcome.
Safety
While SCIT is proven to be safe and effective, reactions to allergy shots are common. Most reactions are local, which means that they show up close or around the area where the shot was administered. They can vary from a dime-sized itchy spot to a large lemon-sized swelling.
In these cases, taking an antihistamine and applying a cold compress to on the affected area may reduce your reaction. If a local reaction lasts longer than 24 hours or happens often, contact your SCIT provider for more assistance.