RAbout 81 million people in the United States[1] have seasonal allergies. Pollen sticks around from early spring to late fall. Depending on which type of pollen you’re sensitive to, you may experience allergy symptoms for a couple of months or the full season. Either way, symptoms that come and go with the seasons can make it feel like long-term treatments aren’t worth the effort.
The truth is that, even if your allergies only come around once a year, immunotherapy is a worthwhile treatment plan to help you breathe easier next pollen season.
How Immunotherapy Improves Pollen Season
Although tree, grass and weed pollen are seasonal nuisances, a severe allergy can negatively impact your spring, summer or fall fun, causing symptoms including but not limited to:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Coughing or wheezing
- Hives
With effective immunotherapy, you can take an early spring walk through the Grandview Nature Preserve without worrying that severe symptoms will get in the way of an otherwise pleasant day.
How Long Does Immunotherapy Take To Work?
How long it takes to see a reduction in symptoms will depend on the type of immunotherapy and your body’s response to the treatment. However, most patients will see some improvement in symptoms in the first year and a more significant reduction in the second year. That wait means that there’s no better time to start treatment than now!
Schedule Your Allergy Consultation
Before starting immunotherapy, you will need to conduct an allergy test to identify the allergens causing your symptoms (e.g., different types of pollen, molds, etc.). Allergy shots treat pollen, mold, pet dander, dust mite and insect allergies and oral immunotherapy treats ragweed, certain types of grass and dust mites. After completing an allergy test and discussing lifestyle factors that may inform your preferred treatment (e.g., schedule, comfort with needles, etc.), you’ll be ready to start your treatment.
Don’t wait to take the first step towards allergy relief. Contact Hampton Roads ENT ~ Allergy to schedule your allergy test and treatment consultation with one of our trusted experts.
[1] Cleveland Clinic. (2025). Allergic rhinitis (hay fever): Symptoms & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8622-allergic-rhinitis-hay-fever