If fall is one of your favorite times of year—crisp air, changing leaves, football weekends—but you find yourself sneezing, congested, or dealing with itchy eyes every time you step outside, you’re not alone.
Ragweed and mold spores make autumn one of the toughest seasons for people with allergies in Iowa. While over-the-counter medications may take the edge off, they don’t always provide enough relief. That’s where immunotherapy can help.
Immunotherapy is a treatment that actually changes how your immune system responds to allergens. Instead of masking symptoms, it helps your body build tolerance so you react less over time.
What does immunotherapy do?
Allergies happen when your immune system mistakes harmless substances—like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander—for dangerous invaders. Your body releases histamine and other chemicals, which trigger the sneezing, congestion, watery eyes, or scratchy throat you know too well.
Immunotherapy retrains your immune system. By introducing tiny, controlled amounts of the allergen, your body gradually learns not to overreact. Over time, this process can reduce your symptoms dramatically—and in some cases, eliminate them altogether.
How does immunotherapy work?
Before starting immunotherapy, it’s important to know exactly what’s triggering your symptoms. At Iowa ENT Center, we use skin testing to identify common allergens such as pollens, molds, dust mites, and pet dander.
During the test, a member of our allergy team gently scratches the skin with a small comb containing the allergens in question (such as cat dander, mold, or pollen). In as little as 15 minutes, the test reveals results. If positive for a specific allergen, the skin will display an itchy, reddish bump in the scratched area.
Using this method, Iowa ENT Center can test for as many as 48 allergens specific to your environment. This allows us to fully understand the cause of your symptoms so we can treat them effectively.
The test is quick, reliable, and gives us a clear picture of which allergens are causing your symptoms. With that information, we can create a personalized immunotherapy plan that’s tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Allergy shots or allergy drops?
At Iowa ENT Center, we offer two options for immunotherapy—allergy shots or allergy drops.
- Allergy shots are small injections that you (or a family member) can give at home after initial instruction from our allergy care team. During the buildup phase, you’ll gradually increase your dose, then move to a maintenance schedule with less frequent shots. Shots can treat a wide range of allergens and are typically covered by most insurance plans.
- Allergy drops are taken daily under your tongue. Like shots, they’re customized to your specific allergens and can be taken at home. Drops are especially appealing to children or anyone who prefers not to use injections. Some research even suggests drops may be more effective than shots for certain patients. However, drops are generally not yet covered by insurance in the U.S.
Your Iowa ENT Center provider can help you decide which approach is the best fit for you.
Should you get immunotherapy?
Many people turn to antihistamines, nasal sprays, or decongestants for quick relief. While these medications can help, they only treat symptoms temporarily. Immunotherapy goes deeper by addressing the root cause of allergies.
Benefits can include:
- Long-term relief: Symptom improvement continues even after treatment ends.
- Reduced medication use: Many patients no longer need daily allergy medications after immunotherapy treatment.
- Better quality of life: Less congestion, better sleep, and more energy for activities you enjoy.
- Asthma protection: For children with allergies, it may reduce the risk of developing asthma later in life.
How long does immunotherapy take?
Immunotherapy isn’t a quick fix. It’s a long-term investment in your health. Many patients begin noticing improvement within the first several weeks of starting immunotherapy, with benefits building over time. More significant relief happens within six to eight months. The full course of immunotherapy typically lasts three to five years.
The commitment pays off. Studies show that the large majority (up to 85%) of people who complete immunotherapy experience long-lasting—sometimes permanent—relief from immunotherapy. Imagine being able to walk through a fall farmers’ market or rake leaves without worrying about the sneezing and congestion that used to come with it.
Is immunotherapy right for you?
Not everyone with allergies needs immunotherapy. It’s typically recommended if:
- Your symptoms are moderate to severe and interfere with daily life.
- Medications don’t provide enough relief or cause bothersome side effects.
- You’d like to reduce or stop relying on medications.
An allergy evaluation at Iowa ENT Center can determine which allergens are triggering your symptoms and whether immunotherapy could help.
Immunotherapy at Iowa ENT Center
If allergies are interfering with your ability to enjoy the season, consider taking the next step. At Iowa ENT Center, our experienced physicians can help you decide if immunotherapy is right for you and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
To schedule an evaluation by one of our ENT physicians, call us at 515-223-4368 or request an appointment below.