Allergy Shots

If all else fails when it comes to seeking relief from allergies; one may want to investigate allergy shots. Another name for this treatment is immunotherapy. Along with this treatment comes a series of injections that contain very small amounts of allergens one may be allergic to. Once a certain number of allergy shots have been given, about eighty five or ninety percent of the recipients have less allergy symptoms; in some, their allergy symptoms are resolved. Allergy shots are usually given for allergic asthma, insect stings, and rhino conjunctivitis for the nose and eyes.

Most will be happy to learn that allergy shots do not hide or temporarily prevent allergic symptoms; they actually fix the problem of allergies altogether. The injection is treated like a vaccine; like when a flu shot is given, for example. A person may find they have less, if any allergic responses when exposed to allergies. It is a good thing to know that allergy shots prevent people from developing new allergies, and also reduces asthma risks in children possessing nasal allergies.

Immunotherapy; or allergy shots may consist of introducing a person to a small dose that may not cause an allergic reaction. The allergist will slowly advance the dosage until the recipient becomes tolerant to large amounts of the allergen. Most likely, allergy shots are provided once or twice per week. This normally takes three to six months or until maintenance dosage is reached. Only after this level has been accomplished are the injections given every two to four weeks.

Therapy of allergy shots is continued on a regular basis for three to five years, on average. This will occur even after the shots are no longer received. It should be noted that if shots are not received prior to three years; allergic symptoms will definitely return at a quicker pace.

The only risks associated with immunotherapy are the distinct possibility of obtaining an allergic reaction to the allergy shots. Symptoms are mild to moderate itching and swelling at the injection site. These reactions hardly require any treatment changes. Sometimes the dosage may need to be adjusted slightly and changes need to be made in how often injections are given.

There are a number of reasons to consider receiving allergy shots. Patients may discover that many medicines simply don’t work. Usually, allergy shots are a last resort for these patients. Many patients like the possibility of being cured since allergy shots are the only treatments that successfully fixes underlying problems of our immune system. Some folks simply don’t like medicines, possibly experiencing side effects from them. For a few, taking medications everyday isn’t pleasant and the once per month allergy shot is an option they can live with.