Allergy Testing and Immunotherapy
Tired of taking daily allergy medication just to get through Houston's pollen season?
Suppose you’re dealing with constant sneezing, congestion, or itchy eyes, and you’re exhausted from managing symptoms with pills that only work temporarily. In that case, allergy shots might be the long-term solution you’ve been looking for. At BreatheSleepMD, we help Houston residents reduce or even eliminate their allergy symptoms through immunotherapy, a treatment that addresses the root cause of your allergies, not just the symptoms.
What Are Allergy Shots?
Allergy shots, also called immunotherapy or subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), are injections that contain small amounts of the allergens that trigger your immune system. These shots gradually train your body to tolerate the allergens, so over time your allergic reactions decrease or stop altogether.
Think of it like building immunity. Your immune system overreacts to harmless substances like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites, which causes your allergy symptoms. Allergy shots slowly introduce these allergens in controlled amounts, allowing your immune system to develop tolerance rather than triggering full-blown inflammation every time you encounter them.
This isn’t a quick fix; it’s a commitment that takes time and consistency. But for many patients, it’s worth it because the results can last a lifetime.
What Allergies Can Immunotherapy Treat?
Allergy shots are effective against airborne allergens such as pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds (especially important in Houston’s allergy-heavy climate), pet dander, dust mites, and mold.
How Do Allergy Shots Work?
Allergy shots work in two phases:
Buildup Phase (6 to 10 months)
You’ll come to our Houston clinic one to three times per week for your injections. We start with a very low dose of the allergen and gradually increase it as your immune system builds tolerance. This phase requires commitment, but it’s where the real immune system training happens.
Buildup Phase (6 to 10 months)
Once you reach the maintenance dose, you’ll visit about once a month. This phase helps maintain your immune system’s tolerance and ensures long-term relief. Some patients with severe allergies may need maintenance shots for longer than five years, but many see lasting benefits even after stopping treatment.
After each injection, you’ll stay in our office for at least 30 minutes so we can monitor you for any allergic reactions. Most reactions are mild, such as itching, redness, or swelling at the injection site, but we take safety seriously and are prepared to handle any response promptly.
How Effective Are Allergy Shots?
Here’s the reality allergy shots work for most people, but they’re not magic. About 85% of patients see significant improvement when immunotherapy is administered properly, and around 80% experience a noticeable reduction in their symptoms. About 60% of people maintain permanent benefits even after they stop getting shots.
You won’t see results overnight. Most patients start noticing improvement six to eight months into treatment, and it can take up to a full year to experience the complete benefits. But once you get there, many people find they no longer need daily allergy medications, or that their symptoms are so mild they barely notice them.
Are Allergy Shots Safe?
For most people, yes. Allergy shots are a well-established treatment that’s been used for over 100 years. But because you’re receiving small amounts of substances you’re allergic to, there’s always a potential for reaction. That’s why we monitor you after every injection.
Most side effects are mild and localized—think redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site. Some patients experience mild allergy symptoms, such as sneezing or congestion, after a shot. Severe reactions like anaphylaxis are rare, but they can happen, which is why we’re prepared to treat them immediately if needed.
You shouldn’t get allergy shots if you have a fever, cold, or flu, are having an acute asthma attack, or are taking beta-blockers (a type of heart medication that can interfere with emergency treatment if needed).
Always discuss your current health status and medications with us before your appointment.
What's the Cost of Allergy Shots in Houston?
The cost of allergy shots typically ranges from $1,600 to $4,000 per year nationwide, depending on factors such as how many allergens you’re treating, how often you need injections, and your insurance coverage. At BreatheSleepMD we also offer cash pay options with very competitive pricing to make it more affordable to the patients. BreatheSleepMD is committed to increasing affordability for our patients by offering competitive cash payment options.
At BreatheSleepMD, we work with most insurance providers. Many health insurance plans cover allergy shots when they’re medically necessary, and Medicare Part B and Medicaid may also provide coverage depending on your specific plan. We’ll help you understand your out-of-pocket costs before you start treatment, so there are no surprises.
Allergy Shots vs. Allergy Pills: What's the Difference?
Over-the-counter allergy medications like Benadryl, Claritin, or Zyrtec block histamine receptors to temporarily relieve symptoms. They work quickly, but they don’t address the underlying cause of your allergies. You have to keep taking them, and many cause drowsiness or other side effects.
Allergy shots address the underlying problem: your immune system’s overreaction. Instead of masking symptoms, immunotherapy retrains your immune system so that you need less medication, or none at all, over time.
At BreatheSleepMD, we work with most insurance providers. Many health insurance plans cover allergy shots when they’re medically necessary, and Medicare Part B and Medicaid may also provide coverage depending on your specific plan. We’ll help you understand your out-of-pocket costs before you start treatment, so there are no surprises.
Who Can Get Allergy Shots?
Most adults can receive allergy shots. You might be a good candidate if you take multiple allergy medications and still struggle with symptoms, your allergies significantly impact your quality of life, you want a long-term solution instead of daily medication, or you suffer from mild asthma related to allergies.
Allergy shots may not be right for you if you have severe asthma, heart disease, are immunocompromised, or are pregnant (though if you’re already on immunotherapy, you may be able to continue with careful monitoring).
What to Expect at Your Appointments
Before starting treatment, we’ll perform allergy testing to identify exactly what you’re allergic to. Then we’ll create a custom serum specifically for you.
During your appointments, we’ll clean your arm with an alcohol pad and inject the serum just under your skin using a very small needle. The injection itself takes just seconds, and then you’ll wait in our office for 30 minutes while we monitor you.
After your shot, avoid intense exercise or hot showers for at least two hours. Exercise and heat increase blood flow, which can cause allergens to spread through your body more quickly. It’s usually not a problem, but it’s better to be cautious.