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ALLERGY IMMUNOTHERAPY
Treat the cause; not the symptoms. Unlike conventional over-the-counter allergy treatments that only provide temporary relief of symptoms, immunotherapy is scientifically proven to treat the root cause of chronic allergies. Immunotherapy treatment is a process of desensitization, where a patient is repeatedly exposed to specific allergen/s they are allergic to. Continued exposure to the allergen over time is effective in diminishing the allergic symptoms of the patient. Allergy immunotherapy is a safe and effective treatment that provides sustained symptom relief. With our custom compounded serums paired with the knowledge and training of immunologists, the patient’s immune system can overcome its sensitivity to allergens that once kept them dependent on expensive pills or indoors and pet-free. Allergy immunotherapy is clinically documented as the only treatment that can reduce or remove a patient’s allergic symptoms. Studies show that the treatment not only has a longstanding effect after it is discontinued but that it also inhibits the development of asthma or other new allergies.
DIAGNOSIS
The first step in immunotherapy is a diagnosis made by a qualified health care professional. A thorough patient history combined with a quick and painless skin prick test is used to make a diagnosis. The test will identify what allergen/s a patient has a sensitivity to. A very small amount of certain allergens is put into the patient’s skin by making a small indentation or ‘prick’ on the surface of the skin. If the allergy is positive, a little swelling that looks like a mosquito bite will occur where the allergen was introduced. Results are easy to read and interpret by specialists trained in the field of clinical immunology and allergy. Once a diagnosis has been made, a patient-specific treatment schedule is created to match the therapeutic needs of the patient. Western Allergy has developed its treatment technology and schedules utilizing over four decades of experience in conjunction with the latest scientific research from around the globe.
LIFE CHANGING TREATMENT
There are two methods of immunotherapy currently used to treat chronic allergies; Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (injections) SCIT and Sublingual Immunotherapy (drops or tablets administered under the tongue) SLIT. The method of treatment that is most suitable for patients is determined by the diagnosing healthcare professional. Injections will be scheduled with your healthcare provider and delivered according to designated dosage schedules starting weekly and then progressing to monthly. Sublingual treatment is done at home and drops are administered under the tongue daily, with scheduled follow-up consultations with your immunologist. Both routes of treatment offer excellent therapeutic qualities and are commitments that require dedication on the patient’s behalf to achieve the best results. In addition to being diligent on their immunotherapy treatment, it is also important to take reasonable measures to avoid allergens that are known to be responsible for allergies. Your allergy specialist will be able to answer any questions about either method of treatment, as well as ways to avoid problem allergens.
ORDERING PROCESS
Please refer to your prescriber for information on ordering your immunotherapy products. Products are custom-made for each patient. Be sure to organize a re-order schedule with plenty of time so you don't miss any doses.
WHAT IS ALLERGY?
Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance— such as pollen, bee venom, or pet dander—that doesn’t cause a reaction in most people. When you have allergies, your immune system makes antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful, even though it isn’t. When you come into contact with the allergen, your immune system’s reaction can create symptoms that affect your eyes, skin, sinuses, airways, or digestive system. The severity of allergies varies from person to person and can range from minor irritation to anaphylaxis—a potentially life-threatening emergency. Every person is unique; as a result, a substance that causes severe allergic symptoms in one person may be completely harmless to another.
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DID YOU KNOW?
According to the Canadian Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Foundation, 20-25% of Canadians suffer from allergies. The allergic disease significantly impacts the quality of life: Congestion causes sufferers decreased productivity, missed work days, and poor night time sleep quality. Immunotherapy is a 2 – 5 year commitment that gives patients lasting results, improving quality of life, decreasing medical costs, and preventing more serious diseases such as asthma.