How long is immunotherapy effective? - Allergies Message Board

MountainReader · 05-27-2006, 09:46 PM

I have a question for the members of this board. For those of you who have had the immunotherapy shots, how many years did they remain effective before you went for additional testing?

I had my last allergy testing 10 years ago and had 3 years of shots. The immunotherapy helped alot, but never got rid of all symptoms. I have been on maintainance dosages since then. This last year though, the allergies have gotten worse. I am on Allegra 180, Singulair, Flonase and Astelin for the allergies. I have also developed asthma and am also taking Advair 500/50 and Albuterol. Even with all this, I still have chronic post nasal drip and frequent sinus pressure with several sinus infections a year. I have been debating going back for more allergy testing don't know how much more they can do for me.

Titchou · 05-27-2006, 10:36 PM

I'm a life long allergy sufferer and I'm now 60 years old. My experience is that the standard length of time for immunotherapy is 5 years. Now, that's from an immunologist, not an ENT. I've done them 3 times in my life - so far. And they have lasted 5-10 years before any symptoms returned. and I would say another 10 or so before I went back on them. It is my understanding that the older you are the shorter that time span is and the less successful they are...simply due to the long term break down in your immune system from age. I developed asthma around age 50. I just ended the last series of shots last November. So far this spring so good. If I get 10 years out of it, it will be worth it. Hope this information helps.