Allergy Immunotherapy in Houston
Overview of Allergy Immunotherapy
Allergy immunotherapy, also known as desensitization or hypo-sensitization, is a long-term treatment that can help prevent or reduce the severity of allergic reactions to irritants like mold spores, dust mites, animal danders, pollen, and more.
At Dr. Matorin’s Houston clinic, we specialize in providing tailored allergy immunotherapy solutions to help our patients achieve lasting relief from their allergy symptoms! Unlike traditional allergy medications that only manage symptoms temporarily, immunotherapy addresses the root cause of allergic reactions, offering a more comprehensive and lasting solution.
Immunotherapy involves exposing Houston patients to gradually increasing doses of allergens, which helps their immune system become less sensitive to these substances. Over time, this can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of allergic reactions.
Make an appointment with Dr. Matorin to learn more about how allergy immunotherapy can improve your quality of life!
Types of Allergy Treatments Offered
Immunotherapy Shots (Subcutaneous Immunotherapy – SCIT)
Immunotherapy shots are the most common form of allergy immunotherapy. These injections contain small amounts of allergens and are administered regularly over a period of time. The goal is to build up your tolerance to these allergens, thereby reducing your allergic reactions.
Allergy Medications
In addition to immunotherapy shots, Dr. Matorin provides prescription allergy medications that can help manage and alleviate symptoms. These medications are tailored to complement your immunotherapy treatment plan, ensuring comprehensive care.
Procedures
Relief from many of the allergy symptoms, such as nasal congestion or blockage, can be more rapidly improved with minor procedures performed in the office such as turbinate reduction or the Vivaer procedure. These types of procedures can be used in conjunction with other allergy treatments to markedly and quickly improve symptoms.
Treatment Process
Allergy immunotherapy is a long-term treatment option for reducing or eliminating symptoms for many allergy patients. Immunotherapy modifies your immune system’s reaction to allergens by utilizing weekly allergy shots to reduce sneezing, itching, and congestion.
Because of the nature of the immune system, the immunotherapy process is intentionally slow, taking between three to five years in some cases. However, most patients experience great relief from their allergy symptoms well before then, usually after several months.
We perform two allergy skin tests to customize the immunotherapy treatment to your unique sensitivities. It is important to not take any antihistamines or products containing antihistamines for three days prior to testing, as it can affect the reaction you’ll have.
Prick Testing
A qualitative screening tool to determine your allergy sensitivities. It is important to verify that you are not overly sensitive to a particular allergen that may cause a severe or life-threatening allergic reaction.
Intradermal Testing
Intradermal testing is a quantitative test to customize your allergy treatment protocol. Many patients decide to receive their immunotherapy shots at home. In order to do this, the patient or caregiver must go through a detailed training and educational process to make sure the treatment is safe. This usually takes three office visits.
After the training is complete, you will be given a custom vial for weekly injections along with dosing protocols. You will return every 10 to 11 weeks for a new custom vial for your therapy. Once again, it is important to not take any antihistamines or products containing antihistamines for three days prior to the testing as it can affect the reaction.
Some patients are not comfortable giving themselves shots. These patients may come to the office weekly to receive their immunotherapy treatment.
Houston patients can make an appointment to begin their personalized treatment journey!
Effectiveness of Allergy Immunotherapy
Allergy immunotherapy has been proven to be highly effective in reducing the symptoms of various allergic conditions, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, and insect venom allergies. According to studies, patients who undergo immunotherapy experience a 60-80% improvement in their allergy symptoms. This treatment is particularly beneficial for individuals who:
- Suffer from severe allergies that are not well-controlled by medications
- Want to reduce their long-term reliance on allergy medications
- Experience side effects from allergy medications
- Have allergies to insect stings
Symptoms that typically improve with immunotherapy include nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and asthma symptoms.
Patients often report significant improvements in their quality of life, including better sleep, fewer sick days, and increased ability to participate in outdoor activities.
Meet Dr. Matorin
Dr. Matorin is a double board-certified, highly-trained, and experienced ENT doctor with a special interest in allergy, sinus, and sleep disorders. Learn more about his background, values, and education and what to expect when you visit our clinic.
Insurance Information
We understand that navigating insurance coverage can be challenging. At Dr. Matorin’s clinic, we accept most major insurance plans for allergy immunotherapy treatments. Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you understand your benefits and maximize your coverage. If you have any questions about insurance or payment options, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.
Make an appointment to find out more about our services and how we can help you manage your allergies effectively and affordably.
West Houston Office
12121 Richmond Avenue, Suite #104
Houston, Texas 77082
Phone: 281-920-5558
Bellaire Office
6699 Chimney Rock Road, Suite #202
Houston, Texas 77081
Phone: 713-665-8887