If you have troublesome allergies, you may benefit from allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy. Allergy shots help many people reduce or possibly eliminate their sensitivity to allergens. However, you may wonder how they work and who they work best for. Here is more information about allergy shots, who may benefit, and how they work.
How Allergy Shots Work
Allergy shots work by exposing you to small amounts of allergens over an extended period. The desired response is a reduced sensitivity or increased tolerance to the allergen. The therapy starts with an injection of a small amount of the allergen. The allergy therapist slowly increases the allergen dose until you reach a maintenance level.
Most people start with allergy shots about twice a week for the first few months. After that, you will need an injection about once a month. If you skip a dose, you may need to start over again. Since the injections contain the actual allergen, you could experience an allergic response. However, for most people, the response is mild.
Why Get Allergy Shots
Most people notice a remarked reduction in their allergic reactions after treatment with allergy shots. Some people eventually no longer need the injections after a certain length of time, while other people need to continue them to maintain tolerance.
Allergy shots may reduce some of these conditions:
- Allergy-related asthma
- Allergic rhinitis (runny nose)
- Insect sting reactions
- Allergic eye reactions
Some people also experience a reduction in allergy-related eczema and skin conditions.
When You Should Get Allergy Shots
You should get allergy shots if you have allergies that significantly impact your life or health. You should especially receive them if you are unable to avoid your allergy triggers. They work best for pollen, animal stings, dander, dust, and mold allergens but may not be effective for other types of allergies like food allergies.
When You Should Not Get Allergy Shots
Allergy shots have risks. Examples of some adverse reactions include hives, severe asthma, and anaphylactic shock. Most people, however, only experience mild reactions like localized swelling and rhinitis. These side effects should dissipate within a day. However, if you are sick or have severe, uncontrolled asthma, your doctor may not want to take the risk.
Some people don't respond to allergy shots as well as they would like, usually if the dose is too small. Though your doctor can remedy this, they may not want to if you already have a strong reaction to the dose you get.
Also, if you have high levels of the allergen in your environment, you may still have a significant reaction. Excessive exposure to tobacco smoke and to other allergens may also make your allergy shots seem less effective.
How to Prepare For Your Allergy Shot
Follow your doctor's instructions about how to prepare for your allergy shot. Most people do not need to do anything special beforehand.
You will need to remain in the doctor's office for about 30 minutes after the injection. This wait time gives your doctor a chance to look for severe reactions that may need medical intervention. Let your doctor or allergy therapist know about any adverse reactions after you leave the office.
For the vast majority of patients, allergy shots can reduce allergic reactions. For others, allergy avoidance or medications may be a better option. You and your doctor can work out a plan for the most effective treatment.
If you are ready to start an allergy shot regimen, or you want to find out other options, give
Wilmington Ear Nose & Throat Associates
a call. We have two convenient Wilmington locations to serve you.
