Immunotherapy, more commonly known as “allergy shots”, can reduce body’s sensitivity to allergens. An allergy test is carried out before the immunotherapy to find the type of allergens that a person with asthma is susceptible to. This is done through a skin testing, where a small amount of the allergen is injected subcutaneously (i.e. under the skin).

Allergy shots do not exist for all allergens. They are usually given for the following allergens: dust mites, cockroaches, pollens, molds and dander.

After finding the allergens which trigger asthma symptoms, a person can get the allergy shots. This is done by injecting tiny amounts of allergens under the skin on a regular basis.

Allergy shots are usually given 1 to 2 times per week for the initial 3 to 6 months. During this time period, the dose increases with the next shot. However, once the maximum dose is achieved, getting allergy shots once in every 3 or 4 weeks is enough. The entire immunotherapy process lasts for 3 to 5 years, by which allergy symptoms reduce considerably or disappear entirely.

It may take almost a year for some people to get used to allergy shots. On the other hand, in some people, allergy shots will provide no relief from asthma symptoms.