Rapid Desensitization

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Rapid desensitization is one option in treating allergies. When a patient can't consistently make allergy shots or if an allergy is particularly dangerous we may opt for rapid desensitization. This involves injecting allergens under the skin in a particular protocol (usually over a span of one or two days) until the body stops reacting.


With allergy shots we use the injection of gradually increasing amounts of an allergy extract over a period of time. We increase the dose once or twice per week until a maintenance dose is reached. The maintenance dose is typically the dose at which a patient starts seeing relief. This process can take several months. Rapid desensitization is a process that helps patients reach their maintenance dose more quickly.


Rapid desensitization works well because it is based upon the same principles as allergy shots. However, with allergy shots it sometimes takes several weeks to reach an effective dose to feel a relief of symptoms. Some people can't or won't commit to weekly allergy shots, or as mentioned may need to desensitize to a dangerous allergy. In those cases we consider rapid desensitization, which reaches the effective dose in a much shorter period of time.

Patients no longer have to wait for allergy shots to take effect and decrease their symptoms!

What happens during a rapid desensitization visit?

Rapid desensitization requires patients to spend 4 to 4.5 hours in our office. We increase the dose every 15 minutes as tolerated up to a maximum of 8 times. This option does require a pre-medication regimen. Most patients do just fine, but we are introducing an irritation to your body so some may have localized swelling, redness, and pain at the injection site. If the swelling becomes too much we stop for the day. Rapid desensitization can be repeated once per week until the maximum rapid dose is reached. As with any allergy treatment there is a risk of systemic reactions that may include localized itching, rash, or anaphylactic shock. This happens rarely but is a risk of the procedure.


If you are scheduled for this procedure with our office and forgot or misplaced your instructions:

Prednisone daily (we will prescribe the dosage for you) beginning 3 days before and the morning of treatment

Zyrtec 1 Tab daily beginning 3 days before and the morning of treatment

Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to spend most of the day in the office. Feel free to bring a book, tablet, or movie to occupy yourself while waiting on reactions.

  • Allergy Testing

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