Allergy shots, or allergen immunotherapy, offer a long-term approach to managing allergies. This treatment desensitizes the body to specific allergens, substances that trigger allergic reactions. By gradually introducing small amounts of allergens, the immune system learns to tolerate them, reducing the severity and frequency of allergic responses. Unlike medications that only manage symptoms, allergy shots modify the underlying allergic disease for lasting relief.
The Two Phases of Treatment
Allergy shot therapy involves two distinct phases: build-up and maintenance. The build-up phase gradually introduces increasing doses of the allergen. This phase usually lasts three to six months, though it can extend up to ten months depending on individual tolerance and schedule. Injections are often administered one to three times weekly, with each shot containing a higher concentration of the allergen.
Once the highest tolerable dose is reached, treatment progresses to the maintenance phase. This stage focuses on sustaining the desensitization achieved during the build-up phase. Maintenance shots are given less frequently, typically every two to four weeks. This phase generally continues for three to five years, or longer, to ensure lasting tolerance to allergens.
Factors Influencing Treatment Duration
The total duration of allergy shot treatment varies significantly from person to person due to several influencing factors. An individual’s response plays a significant role; some build tolerance more quickly than others. Allergy severity and specific allergens also affect the timeline, with more severe cases potentially requiring longer treatment.
Consistent shot reception, known as patient compliance, is also a factor. Missing doses can delay progress and reduce effectiveness, potentially extending the total duration. While generally suitable for both children and adults, children under five are not typically recommended due to cooperation difficulties.
Knowing When to Conclude Treatment
Deciding when to stop allergy shots is a collaborative decision with an allergist. A primary indicator for concluding treatment is sustained improvement in allergic symptoms. Patients often experience significant symptom reduction or elimination for one to two years before considering discontinuation. This improvement often decreases the need for allergy medications.
The allergist assesses the patient’s clinical response, symptom control, and overall goals to determine the optimal time to stop. While some patients notice improvement within six to twelve months, the most significant benefits are often observed by the second year. Continuing treatment for the recommended three to five years generally leads to more lasting benefits.
Life After Allergy Shots
After completing the full course of allergy shots, many individuals experience sustained relief from allergic symptoms. Benefits can last for several years, with some maintaining significant improvement for 7-10 years or longer. This long-term effectiveness is an advantage of immunotherapy, training the immune system to respond differently even after treatment ceases.
However, some individuals may experience a return of symptoms over time, known as relapse. Clinical relapse rates can vary; if symptoms reappear, booster shots might be an option. Continued communication with a healthcare provider is important after stopping treatment to monitor changes and discuss further steps.