Allergy Shots & Allergy Drops (Immunotherapy) in Austin, TX
Tired of managing allergies with medications every day, only to still feel miserable? Allergy immunotherapy treats the root cause of your allergy, not just the symptoms. Capital ENT offers both allergy shots (SCIT) and allergy drops (SLIT) to help patients achieve long-term allergy relief at our Austin location.
How Immunotherapy Changes Your Immune Response
Quick Answer: Do allergy shots or drops help long-term?
Allergy immunotherapy is designed to retrain the immune system through carefully measured exposure to allergens over time. For Austin patients with persistent pollen, mold, dust mite, or pet allergy symptoms, Capital ENT uses allergy testing to decide whether in-office shots or sublingual options are appropriate. The goal is fewer symptoms and less reliance on daily rescue medication, but the plan depends on your triggers, medical history, and insurance coverage.
Allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances (like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander) as threats, launching an inflammatory response that produces allergy symptoms. Antihistamines and nasal sprays block the symptoms of this response, but do not change the underlying sensitivity.
Allergy immunotherapy works by gradually exposing the immune system to increasing amounts of the allergens you react to, training it to tolerate rather than attack them. Over time, this process (called desensitization) reduces the severity of allergic reactions and can provide lasting relief that continues even after stopping therapy.
- Targets the underlying immune sensitization, not just symptoms
- Long-lasting benefits that persist after completing treatment
- Can reduce your need for daily allergy medications
- Both shots (in-office) and drops (at-home) options available
- Allergy testing and shots performed at our Austin location
When Is Immunotherapy Recommended?
Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
Chronic sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes from pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander that persists despite antihistamines and nasal sprays is a strong candidate for immunotherapy. Allergy shots and drops are particularly effective for aeroallergen sensitivities, the type of allergies that affect the nose, eyes, and sinuses. Most patients achieve significant reduction in nasal and eye symptoms.
Request EvaluationAllergic Asthma
Allergen sensitization is a major trigger for asthma. Allergy immunotherapy has been shown to reduce asthma exacerbations, decrease bronchodilator use, and lower airway inflammation in patients with allergic asthma. By reducing the underlying allergic sensitization, immunotherapy addresses asthma triggers at the source rather than only treating the respiratory symptoms. It is one of the few interventions that can change the natural course of allergic disease. Your asthma must be well controlled before and during treatment, and AAO-HNS immunotherapy guidelines call for checking asthma control before each dose.
Request EvaluationAllergy-Driven Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis can be worsened by untreated aeroallergen sensitization. For patients with confirmed allergies, treating the underlying allergic inflammation may help control swelling of the sinus and nasal lining alongside sinus care, which is why we evaluate both sinus disease and allergies when both are present.
Request EvaluationAllergy Shots (SCIT) vs. Allergy Drops (SLIT)
Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), or allergy shots, involves weekly or biweekly injections at our office during the build-up phase, followed by monthly maintenance injections. SCIT is the most extensively studied form of immunotherapy with the strongest evidence base.
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), or allergy drops, are taken under the tongue at home daily after a first dose in our office, with periodic follow-up visits. SLIT offers convenience for patients who cannot visit the office frequently, and can be an option for school-age children (age limits apply) and patients with needle aversion. Sublingual tablets are FDA-approved for grass, ragweed, and dust mite allergy; custom allergy drops are used off-label in the U.S., and your provider will explain the evidence, costs, and differences. We help you choose the approach that fits your lifestyle and allergy profile.
Schedule an Allergy ConsultationAllergy Testing to Personalized Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy begins with comprehensive allergy testing (skin prick testing or intradermal testing) to identify which specific allergens you react to and at what level. This information is used to create a customized allergy extract tailored to your specific sensitivities.
During the build-up phase (typically several months, often 3 to 6 months), doses are gradually increased. Once the maintenance dose is reached, you enter the maintenance phase, typically 3–5 years, during which the immune system continues to build tolerance. Most patients experience meaningful symptom reduction within the first year of treatment.
- Comprehensive skin testing to identify your specific allergens
- Customized extract tailored to your sensitization profile
- Build-up phase: gradually increasing doses over several months (often 3 to 6)
- Maintenance phase: 3–5 years for lasting tolerance
- Significant symptom improvement typically within 12 months
Most patients notice improvement within the first year, with lasting benefits that continue after completing treatment.
Your Immunotherapy Experience at Capital ENT
Comprehensive Allergy Testing
We begin with thorough allergy testing to identify your specific triggers, the foundation for a personalized immunotherapy extract that addresses your unique sensitization.
Personalized TreatmentShots or Drops
We offer both in-office allergy shots and at-home allergy drops, so you can choose the approach that works best for your schedule, comfort, and lifestyle.
Your ChoiceIntegrated ENT Care
Our allergy care is integrated with our ENT services, addressing nasal obstruction, sinus disease, and ear conditions alongside your allergy treatment for the most complete outcome.
Whole-Patient ApproachAustin Location
Allergy testing and shot administration are performed at our Austin office: 12309 N Mopac Expy. Allergy drops (SLIT) can be managed remotely after an initial in-office visit.
Austin, N MopacAllergy Immunotherapy FAQ
Many patients notice improvement during the first year of immunotherapy, and full benefit builds over 1 to 3 years. Some patients respond more quickly, and the timeline varies depending on the number and severity of allergen sensitivities being treated.
Allergy shots (SCIT) are injected subcutaneously at our office, while allergy drops (SLIT) are administered under the tongue at home. Shots require office visits and a 30-minute observation period after each injection, because allergy shots carry a small risk of a serious allergic reaction; patients on shots are also prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector to carry. Immunotherapy is not started during pregnancy or in patients with uncontrolled asthma. Drops are taken at home after a first dose in our office, with periodic follow-up visits. Both are effective; shots have more clinical data supporting their use, while drops offer greater convenience for patients with busy schedules or needle aversion. We discuss both options at your consultation.
Allergy shots (SCIT) are covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicare and most commercial insurers. Allergy drops (SLIT) are typically not covered by insurance and are provided at a flat monthly cost. Our team will verify your benefits and provide transparent cost information before starting treatment.
Many patients maintain significant allergy relief for years after completing a full course of immunotherapy, typically 3–5 years. This sustained benefit is one of the key advantages of immunotherapy over daily medications. Some patients may experience gradual return of symptoms and benefit from retreatment, but the majority maintain meaningful improvement after completing the full treatment course.
More Allergy Resources
Cedar Fever & Mountain Cedar Allergy
Mountain cedar pollen is one of the most potent allergens in Central Texas, peaking December through February. Learn about symptoms, management, and whether immunotherapy is right for you.
Learn More →Allergy Symptoms in Austin
Sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and postnasal drip that keep coming back may be more than a cold. See the allergy symptoms our Austin ENTs evaluate and treat.
Learn More →Ready to Treat Your Allergies at the Source?
Our board-certified ENTs and allergy team can test, diagnose, and create a personalized immunotherapy plan for your allergy profile. Same-day and next-day consultations often available.