Allergy Immunotherapy

Allergy shots help your body get used to allergens, the items that trigger an allergy. They aren’t a cure, but over time, your symptoms will recover and you’ll not have symptoms as often.

You may want to think about allergy shots also called “immunotherapy” – if you’ve got symptoms that medicines don’t offer you enough relief.

Why it’s done ? 

Allergy shots could also be an very good treatment choice for you if:

• Medications don’t control your symptoms, and you can’t avoid the things that cause your allergic reactions
• Allergy medications interact with other medications you take and cause bothersome side effects
•  You want to scale back your long-term use of allergy medication

Allergy shots can be used to regulate symptoms triggered by:

• Seasonal allergies: If you have periodic allergic asthma or hay fever symptoms, you may be allergic to pollen released by trees, grasses or weeds.
• Indoor allergens: If you’ve got year-round symptoms, you may be sensitive to indoor allergens, like dust mites, cockroaches, mold, or dander from pets like cats or dogs.
• Insect stings: Allergic reactions to insect stings are often triggered by bees, wasps, hornets or yellow jackets.

How often does one get Allergy shots ?

At first, you’ll attend your doctor or pediatrician once or twice every week for several months. You’ll get the shot in your upper arm. It’ll contain a small amount of medicine you’re allergic to – pollen, or pet dander for instance.

The dose will go up gradually until you get to what’s called a maintenance dose. Then, you’ll usually get an attempt every 2-4 weeks for 4-5 months. Then your doctor will gradually increase the time between shots until you’re getting them about once a month for 3-5 years. During that point, your allergy symptoms will improve and should eventually get better.

If your symptoms don’t improve after a year of shots, talk to your doctor about other treatment options.

How Should I prepare oneself against Allergy Shots ?

You may want to avoid exercise or doing anything strenuous for two hours before and after your appointment. That’s because exercise boosts blood flow to the tissues and should cause the allergens to spread throughout your body faster. It’s unlikely to cause a significant problem, but it’s best to be safe.

Tell your doctor or pediatrician about the other medicines or herbs and supplements you’re taking as some medications interfere with the treatment.

If you’re pregnant or about to get pregnant, ask your doctor whether you ought to still get allergy shots.

Do Allergy Shots Work for Everyone ?

A lot depends on what percentage things you’re allergic to and the way severe your symptoms are. Generally, allergy shots work for allergies to bee stings, pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander.