Editor’s Note: This video is part of the ongoing allergy series in partnership with Columbia Allergy. To learn more about allergies, eczema, and related topics, please refer to our Allergy Guide!
One of the things people dread the most about spring is (ACHOO!) allergies. Seasonal allergies can be so debilitating, with many women attesting the crippling effects of severe menstrual cramps or getting the flu. More than 50 million Americans battle allergies each year, but they don’t have to. Intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT), a revolutionary allergy treatment that teaches the immune system to build tolerance to common allergens, is now available in the Bay Area through Columbia Allergy’s Fremont location.
“We are proud to be the first and only allergy clinic on the west coast to offer intralymphatic immunotherapy,” says Sanjeev Jain, MD, Ph.D., founder of Columbia Allergy. “If you or a loved one have suffered from pollen allergies, mold allergies, pet allergies, or dust allergies, ILIT may very well be the allergy breakthrough you’ve been searching for.”
Intralymphatic immunotherapy involves the safe administration of a problematic allergen directly into a patient’s lymph nodes in order to build rapid immune tolerance and eventually end the triggering of allergic reactions. It may sound hairy, but do not worry – only Columbia Allergy’s dedicated radiologist can administer these shots on three separate occasions, each four weeks apart.
“Within a few months, patients are finding their allergies are significantly diminished, or in many cases, eliminated,” says Dr. Jain.
In addition to its high success rate, ILIT touts two major benefits when compared with traditional allergy shots or sublingual therapy: it requires significantly fewer treatments and delivers rapid results. Take your pick: 4 years’ worth of countless shots vs. 3 shots and done. No brainer! Because it is the lymphatic system that is responsible for triggering the immune response that causes an allergic reaction, delivering allergens directly into the lymph nodes quickly builds up immune system tolerance. Instead of waiting 3-5 years via allergy shot treatments, ILIT provides allergy relief to patients in a matter of weeks and in many cases, is a more affordable treatment option.
To find out if you are a candidate for Intralymphatic Immunotherapy, schedule an appointment online or call Columbia Allergy at one of their Bay Area offices, including Fremont, Oakland, Redwood City, Sunnyvale, and San Mateo.
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