Steroid shots for allergies offer a powerful treatment option for individuals with severe allergic reactions. This article explains how these injections work, when they are used, and important considerations for their use.
The Allergic Reaction
An allergic reaction begins when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance, known as an allergen, as a threat. Upon exposure, the immune system mounts an exaggerated response, similar to how it would fight off an infection. This process involves the production of specific antibodies, primarily immunoglobulin E (IgE), which then attach to certain immune cells like mast cells and basophils.
When re-exposed to the same allergen, these sensitized mast cells and basophils release various chemicals, including histamine. Histamine acts as a potent inflammatory mediator, increasing blood flow and causing inflammation in surrounding tissues. This release leads to the familiar symptoms associated with allergies, such as swelling, itching, redness, sneezing, and nasal congestion, as the body attempts to remove the perceived invader.
How Steroid Shots Work
Steroid shots for allergies typically contain corticosteroids, which are manufactured drugs designed to mimic the effects of cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands. These powerful medications work by suppressing the immune system’s overactive response to allergens. They primarily achieve this by reducing inflammation throughout the body.
Corticosteroids exert their effects by binding to specific receptors within cells, which then triggers a cascade of events. This process leads to the suppression of genes that produce inflammatory chemicals and the activation of genes that promote anti-inflammatory effects. Symptom relief often begins within 24 to 48 hours. The effects can persist for several weeks to a few months, as the steroid is slowly released into the body.
When Steroid Shots Are Used
Steroid shots are reserved for managing severe or persistent allergic conditions when other conventional treatments have not provided sufficient relief. This includes cases of severe seasonal allergies, chronic hives, or significant asthma exacerbations. The injections are considered when rapid symptom relief is necessary.
For example, individuals with debilitating seasonal allergies, despite using antihistamines or nasal sprays, may be candidates. In acute asthma flares, these shots can quickly reduce airway inflammation and help improve breathing. They serve as an additional treatment option when standard therapies prove ineffective or a swift reduction in symptoms is crucial.
What to Consider Before a Steroid Shot
Before receiving a steroid shot, a medical consultation is important. These injections are not a first-line treatment and are used judiciously due to their temporary effects.
Some temporary considerations can include elevated blood sugar levels, fluid retention, increased appetite, and changes in mood or sleep patterns. Less common temporary effects may involve skin thinning or bruising at the injection site. The decision to use a steroid shot involves weighing these temporary effects against the severity of the allergic symptoms and the potential for rapid relief. Healthcare providers usually limit corticosteroid injections to three or four per year.