Allergy shots: What to consider
Treatment involves years of commitment and may not be for everyone, says UCI Health immunologist
IN THE NEWS: Allergy shots, also known as allergy immunotherapy, can train the immune system to stop responding to allergens like pollen, dust mites and pet dander.
Dr. Yesim Yilmaz Demirdag, an immunologist and allergist with UCI Health, spoke with U.S. News & World Report about factors to consider when it comes to getting the treatment, which takes several years.
“Consider how much allergies impact your daily life. What have you already tried to relieve them? How much time and commitment can you give to treatment?"
If shots are not appealing or not an option, Demirdag says sublingual immunotherapy or medications may be more suitable.
“All these treatment modalities require long-term commitment and have advantages and disadvantages. Allergists help patients using shared decision-making, weighing factors like efficacy, safety, adherence and patient goals.”
Demirdag specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of immunodeficiencies in children and adults, as well as asthma, food allergies and eczema in children. Her clinical interests include hives, swelling, rhinitis, sinusitis, drug allergies, eosinophilic esophagitis and stinging insect allergies.
Her research interests include the genetics of primary immune deficiencies, immune deficiencies in chromosomal abnormalities, eczema and food allergies.
Demirdag is an associate professor and director of the Allergy and Immunology Fellowship Program at the UC Irvine School of Medicine.
She sees patients at UCI Health Allergy and Immunology Services. Make an appointment by calling 949-824-8600.
About UCI Health
UCI Health, one of California’s largest academic health systems, is the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine. The 1,461-bed system comprises its main campus UCI Health — Orange, its flagship hospital, the UCI Health — Irvine acute care hospital and medical campus, four hospitals and affiliated physicians of the UCI Health Community Network in Orange and Los Angeles counties and a network of ambulatory care centers across the region. UCI Health — Orange provides tertiary and quaternary care and is home to the only Orange County-based National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, high-risk perinatal/neonatal program and American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center, gold level 1 geriatric emergency department and regional burn center. Powered by UC Irvine, UCI Health serves 5.6 million people in Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).