Best Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots) in Hyderabad at Dr. Raju's Allergy Centre & Multispeciality Hospital

What is Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy, commonly known as allergy shots, is a long-term treatment designed to desensitise your immune system to specific allergens that trigger your allergic reactions. Unlike medications that only temporarily relieve symptoms, immunotherapy addresses the root cause of allergies by modifying the immune system's response over time.

The treatment involves regular injections of gradually increasing amounts of purified allergen extracts. These extracts contain tiny amounts of the very substances that cause your allergies—such as pollen, dust mites, mould spores, pet dander, or insect venom. Over time, this controlled exposure helps your immune system build tolerance, reducing the severity of allergic reactions and, in many cases, eliminating them entirely.

Immunotherapy is one of the most effective treatments available for allergic conditions, offering long-lasting relief even after treatment is completed. At Dr. Raju's Allergy Centre, we provide comprehensive immunotherapy programmes tailored to each patient's specific allergy profile.

How Does Immunotherapy Work?

The Science: When you have allergies, your immune system produces IgE antibodies against allergens; these attach to mast cells and basophils. On exposure, these cells release histamine and other chemicals, causing symptoms.

Immunotherapy works by:

• Regular Controlled Exposure: Gradually increasing doses of allergen over time
• Immune Modulation: Stimulates production of "blocking" antibodies (IgG) that compete with IgE
• T-Cell Regulation: Shifts response from allergic (Th2) to non-allergic (Th1) patterns
• Reduced Mast Cell Reactivity: Mast cells become less sensitive over time
• Long-Term Tolerance: Immune system learns to tolerate the allergen

The Two Phases of Immunotherapy

1. Build-Up Phase: Injections 1–2 times per week; dose gradually increased; typically 3–6 months; purpose: reach effective maintenance dose safely.

2. Maintenance Phase: Injections every 2–4 weeks; consistent dose; typically 3–5 years; purpose: maintain and strengthen immune tolerance.

Conditions Treated with Immunotherapy

Respiratory Allergies: Allergic rhinitis (pollens, dust mites, moulds, pet dander); allergic asthma (when triggered by inhaled allergens); allergic conjunctivitis.

Insect Sting Allergies: Venom allergy (bee, wasp, hornet, yellow jacket, fire ant); Venom Immunotherapy (VIT) is highly effective in preventing future anaphylactic reactions.

Less Common: Atopic dermatitis (selected cases); oral allergy syndrome (when significant).

NOT Typically Treated: Food allergies (research ongoing); drug allergies; chronic urticaria; contact dermatitis.

Benefits of Immunotherapy

Short-Term: Symptom reduction; less need for antihistamines, nasal sprays, asthma medications; improved quality of life; fewer missed work/school days; reduced risk of sinusitis, ear infections, asthma exacerbations.

Long-Term: Disease modification; sustained relief often for years after completion; may prevent new allergies; in children with allergic rhinitis, may reduce risk of developing asthma; cost-effective long-term.

The Immunotherapy Process at Dr. Raju's Allergy Centre

Step 1 – Comprehensive Evaluation: Medical history; allergy testing (skin prick or IgE blood); physical examination; discussion of goals.

Step 2 – Personalised Treatment Plan: Allergen selection based on your profile; individualised dosing schedule; duration planning.

Step 3 – Build-Up Phase: Visits 1–2 times weekly; injections by trained staff; 30-minute observation after each injection; dose gradually increased; progress monitored; reactions managed promptly.

Step 4 – Maintenance Phase: Injections every 2–4 weeks; consistent dose; 30-minute observation; regular follow-up; typically 3–5 years.

Step 5 – Post-Treatment Follow-Up: Evaluation of long-term outcomes; many enjoy sustained relief; occasional "booster" if symptoms recur.

What to Expect During Immunotherapy

Before Each Injection: Be healthy (no active infections or asthma exacerbations); inform staff of illnesses or medication changes; bring reliever inhaler if asthmatic.

During: Injection given subcutaneously in upper arm; brief mild discomfort, similar to vaccination.

After: Must remain in clinic for 30 minutes for observation; staff checks injection site; resume normal activities after.

Potential Reactions and Safety

Local Reactions (Common): Redness, swelling, itching at injection site; usually mild, resolves within hours; ice or antihistamines; typically no dose adjustment.

Systemic Reactions (Rare): Symptoms elsewhere (sneezing, hives, nasal congestion); mild ones manageable with antihistamines; severe anaphylaxis extremely rare with proper protocols; facility fully equipped.

Safety at Dr. Raju's: Trained staff; clear emergency protocols; resuscitation equipment and medications available; mandatory 30-minute observation; dose verification; individualised dosing.

Immunotherapy for Children

Safe and effective, typically starting around age 5–7 years. Benefits: Early intervention may alter disease course; reduces asthma risk; improved school attendance and activities; less medication. Considerations: Child must cooperate; parental support; plan for 30-minute observation; child-friendly approach.

Immunotherapy vs. Medications

Why Choose Dr. Raju's Allergy Centre for Immunotherapy?

• Specialised Expertise: Deep understanding of immunotherapy science and protocols
• Comprehensive Testing: Accurate allergy testing to identify triggers
• Personalised Prescriptions: Customised allergen extracts
• Safe Administration: Strict safety protocols and emergency preparedness
• Experienced Staff: Trained in administration and reaction management
• Child-Friendly Approach: Gentle care for paediatric patients
• Convenient Scheduling: Flexible appointment times
• Integrated Care: Coordination with asthma and other treatments
• Long-Term Follow-Up: Ongoing support

Frequently Asked Questions

How long until improvement? Some notice improvement within months; maximum benefit typically 12–18 months.

How long to continue? Standard course: 3–5 years maintenance for best long-lasting remission.

Will allergies return after stopping? Many enjoy sustained relief for years. Repeat course may be considered if symptoms return.

Can I take regular allergy medications? Yes; many need less over time.

Safe during pregnancy? Maintenance may be continued with monitoring; build-up typically not initiated during pregnancy.

Asthma and immunotherapy? Yes, if asthma is well-controlled. Uncontrolled asthma is a contraindication.

How often for injections? Build-up: 1–2 times weekly. Maintenance: every 2–4 weeks.

Insurance? Coverage varies. Our staff can assist with pre-authorisation.

Children? Yes, as young as 5–7 years, especially for allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Miss an appointment? Protocols for schedule adjustment. Contact our office.

Conditions That Respond Best to Immunotherapy

Excellent: Allergic rhinitis (pollens, dust mites); venom allergy. Good: Allergic rhinitis (moulds, pet dander); allergic conjunctivitis. Variable: Atopic dermatitis with clear triggers; oral allergy syndrome.

After Immunotherapy: What to Expect

Most patients continue to enjoy reduced symptoms; some may need occasional boosters years later; regular follow-up; lifestyle benefits; reduced reliance on medications.

"Immunotherapy represents a true breakthrough in allergy treatment. Unlike medications that simply mask symptoms, this approach retrains the immune system to tolerate allergens naturally. For the right candidates, it offers not just relief, but freedom – from daily medications, from constant worry about triggers, and from the limitations that allergies impose on life."