What is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is an immune reaction to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pets, or mold. It commonly causes sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes or throat.

Can allergies make asthma worse?

Yes. Poorly controlled nasal allergies often worsen asthma symptoms and can lead to increased coughing, wheezing, nighttime symptoms, and asthma flare-ups.

How are allergies and asthma diagnosed?

Diagnosis may include a detailed medical history, allergy testing (such as skin or blood tests), and lung function testing to identify triggers and guide treatment.

Are allergy shots effective for allergies and asthma?

For selected patients, allergy immunotherapy can reduce allergy symptoms, decrease medication needs, and help improve asthma control over time.

When should I see a specialist for asthma or allergies?

You should consider specialty care if symptoms persist despite treatment, rescue inhalers are used frequently, or asthma or allergies interfere with sleep or daily activities.

Allergy Shots

How do allergy shots work?

Allergy shots are a type of treatment called immunotherapy, which desensitizes your immune system so that it stops triggering allergic reactions.

When you receive allergy shots, your injections begin with a very small dose of your specific allergens, then Dr. Ispas gradually increases the dose in each subsequent shot until you reach an optimal dose.

As the doses increases, your immune system builds up a tolerance to the allergen. As a result, you stop having an allergic reaction, or your symptoms significantly diminish.

How are allergy shots administered?

Your allergy shots are administered on a regular schedule that proceeds through two phases:

Build-up phase
Dr. Ispas gives you gradually increasing doses of allergens once or twice a week to build up your tolerance. This phase lasts about three to six months until Dr. Ispas determines you’ve reached a maintenance dose.

Maintenance phase
During your maintenance phase, you’ll receive an allergy shot every two to four weeks, with each shot containing the same dose. This continues until you reach optimal symptom relief.

Although your allergy symptoms may improve during the first year, most patients are fully desensitized after two to three years of maintenance treatments.

Can my allergies be treated with allergy shots?

Allergy shots can be used to treat many different allergies, including:

Seasonal allergies caused by ragweed, tree, and grass pollen
Year-round allergies due to dust mites, mold, and pet dander
Insect stings including bees, wasps, red ants, and hornets

Although allergy shots are effective for most people, Dr. Ispas evaluates your symptoms and medical history before recommending immunotherapy.

What is rush immunotherapy?

Rush immunotherapy, also called rapid immunotherapy, accelerates the process so you get to your maintenance dose more quickly. It follows the same process — you’ll get multiple shots, with each one containing a higher dose of the allergen — but all your build-up phase allergy shots are administered over the course of one to three days.

What is cluster immunotherapy?

Cluster immunotherapy also hastens the process, but the shots are spread out a little more than for rush immunotherapy. During cluster immunotherapy, you’ll receive several allergy shots on nonconsecutive days, so your maintenance dose is usually reached within four to eight weeks.

You don’t need to keep suffering from allergy symptoms. Call Allergy Asthma & Immunology Institute, or book an appointment online to get started on the road to allergy relief.

Laura Ispas, M.D

Allergy & Immunology Specialist Diplomate NBPAS

Patient Resources

Flat fee for tele visits with included services: $100

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Contact Info

Call/SMS

(571) 399-5132

Fax

(703) 723-9800

Location

19455 Deerfield Avenue, Suite 207, Leesburg, VA 20176

Working Hours

Monday and Thursday

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Tuesday, Wednesday

9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Every other Friday

Upon Request

Allergy Shot Hours