Rush Immunotherapy

Rush/Rapid desensitization vs. Conventional Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy has been shown to be effective treatment for allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma and venom hypersensitivity in appropriate individuals. Immunotherapy consists of a series of injections (shots) with a solution containing allergens that cause your symptoms. Treatment usually begins with a diluted allergy solution given once or twice a week. The strength and amount of the solution is gradually increased with each dose until the strongest dose is reached, usually considered your maintenance dose. Traditionally, this process can take several months to years of coming in weekly for shots until progressing to getting shots once a month for maintenance and symptom control. Once at that point, shots will continue for approximately 3-5 years, which will have decreased your sensitivity to your allergens (desensitization).

Rush immunotherapy, or rapid desensitization, is a variation of the traditional/conventional treatment in that is "rushes" the initial phase of the treatment. This approach dates back to 1928 when this procedure was first performed by a British physician, John Freeman. During the initial phase of the treatment, increasing doses of allergens are given every few hours rather than every few days or weeks. The Rush Immunotherapy procedure only accelerates the initial build up phase. It is still necessary to continue weekly allergy injections for a period of time, then progressing to shots every two weeks, every three weeks as indicated, and then every month. Shots will continue to be given for a period of time approximately 3-5 years as evaluated by your physician. The advantage of Rush Immunotherapy is that the build up to monthly injections will occur quicker, in approximately 4-8 months, rather than 1-2 years for traditional/conventional immunotherapy.

To date, Texas Regional Asthma & Allergy Center has performed over 1100 Rush Immunotherapy Procedures!