Allergy shots offer a long-term approach to managing allergic reactions. Unlike medications that only alleviate symptoms, allergy shots work to modify the immune system’s response to specific allergens. The goal of this therapy is to reduce the severity of allergic symptoms and, in many cases, decrease the need for daily allergy medications.
Determining Eligibility for Allergy Shots
Deciding if allergy shots are appropriate involves a thorough evaluation by an allergist. This treatment is typically recommended for individuals whose allergy symptoms significantly impact their quality of life, despite using medications or making environmental adjustments. Allergy shots are effective for environmental allergies such as pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander. They are also a common and effective treatment for life-threatening reactions to insect stings, like those from bees, wasps, and hornets.
Age is a consideration, with allergy shots generally not recommended for children under five years old due to communication and cooperation challenges. Conversely, older adults can receive allergy shots, but their overall health, particularly certain heart conditions, needs careful assessment. Certain health conditions and medications can make someone ineligible for allergy shots. These include severe or uncontrolled asthma, certain heart conditions, and the use of beta-blockers. Individuals with immune disorders or those who are pregnant are also typically advised against starting new allergy shot treatment.
The Allergy Shot Treatment Process
Once a person is deemed eligible, the process begins with allergy testing to identify the specific allergens causing reactions. This usually involves skin prick tests or blood tests. The allergist uses these results to create a customized allergen extract for the shots.
The treatment itself is divided into two main phases: the build-up phase and the maintenance phase. During the build-up phase, which typically lasts three to six months, injections containing gradually increasing doses of allergens are administered. These initial shots are given frequently, often one to two times per week. After the build-up phase, the patient transitions to the maintenance phase, where injections are given less frequently, usually every two to four weeks. This phase typically continues for three to five years, or sometimes longer, to achieve lasting results.
Potential Outcomes of Allergy Shot Therapy
The primary aim of allergy shot therapy is to desensitize the immune system to allergens, leading to a significant reduction in allergic symptoms. This can result in fewer symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and wheezing. Many individuals experience a noticeable decrease in their reliance on allergy medications, improving their overall quality of life.
While some people achieve long-term remission of their allergies and may no longer require treatment, others might need ongoing shots to maintain their symptom relief. Some individuals may begin to notice improvements within six to eight months of starting treatment, though it can take a full 12 months on the maintenance dose to experience the full benefits.
Key Factors to Consider
Important practical and safety considerations exist for allergy shot therapy. Local reactions at the injection site, such as redness, swelling, or itching, are common and typically resolve within a few hours. Less commonly, systemic reactions can occur, which may include symptoms like hives, sneezing, nasal congestion, or asthma symptoms. In rare instances, a severe, life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis can develop.
Due to the possibility of systemic reactions, patients are typically required to remain in the clinic for at least 30 minutes after each injection for observation. The treatment requires a significant time commitment, with regular appointments spanning several years. Adherence to the treatment schedule is important for optimal effectiveness, as skipping doses may necessitate a reduction in the allergen dose. Allergy shots should always be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional in a medical facility equipped to handle potential reactions.