Immunotherapy

Building your child’s immunity is one of the most effective ways to protect them against allergies that haven’t responded well to traditional medications. One World Pediatrics in Longwood, Florida, offers a team of board-certified pediatricians and nurse practitioners specializing in immunotherapy for allergies. This treatment activates your child’s immune system to ward off allergy symptoms, allowing them to experience relief and enjoy everyday activities more comfortably. Call One World Pediatrics today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about immunotherapy.

What is immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a preventive treatment for allergies that activates your child’s immune system to reduce their chances of allergic reactions. At One World Pediatrics, the team uses repeated allergy shots to help your child build tolerance to the allergens (substances that trigger allergies) causing these reactions.

How does immunotherapy work?

An allergy develops when your child’s immune system overreacts to a substance normally considered harmless. It releases chemicals called histamines that cause allergy symptoms like itching, sneezing, and congestion.

Immunotherapy introduces small amounts of specific allergens into your child’s body, slowly building their immunity to these substances. This repeated exposure eventually helps reduce their sensitivity to these allergens, minimizing the severity of their allergic reactions over time.

Who can benefit from immunotherapy?

The One World Pediatrics team may recommend immunotherapy if trigger avoidance and standard allergy medications aren’t working well for your child. Immunotherapy may be a long-term solution that provides lasting relief from allergy symptoms, such as:

• Watery eyes
• Itching
• Sneezing
• Congestion or runny nose
• Coughing or wheezing
• Skin rashes or hives
• Difficulty breathing or asthma symptoms triggered by allergies
• Headaches or sinus pressure
• Fatigue or tiredness

These symptoms can prevent your child from focusing at school, enjoying outdoor activities, participating in extracurricular activities, and getting restful sleep. Immunotherapy can help your child experience fewer allergy symptoms and improve their quality of life. 

How long does immunotherapy take?

Immunotherapy can take several years to provide lasting immunity against allergies. Before starting your child on immunotherapy, the One World Pediatrics team performs a series of tests. They may recommend a medical history review and physical exam, skin prick or patch tests, or bloodwork to identify the specific allergens causing your child’s reactions.

Allergy shots contain purified forms of allergens that the team injects. They gradually increase the amount over three to six months. They typically recommend visiting for shots once or twice a week during this time. After this initial treatment course, your child typically receives monthly maintenance shots for up to five years.

Some children experience fewer allergy symptoms during the buildup phase, but some may not feel better until about 12 months later.

Immunotherapy is a safe, lasting solution for allergy relief. Call One World Pediatrics today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.