Posted on October 14, 2008 in Latest News
If you are confused about how to get rid of allergies, then allergy shots may be the solution. Allergy shots are a long-term treatment for allergies. Allergy shots involve injecting you with a small amount of allergen in a series. Gradually, you may become resistant to the allergens or may have decreased symptoms to the allergens
What Are Allergy Shots?
Allergy shots or immunotherapy is a form of treatment for people suffering with allergies. Allergy shots are beneficial for people with allergies to pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and animal dander.
How do Allergy Shots Work?
Allergy shots contain small quantities of allergens to stimulate the immune system, but they do not cause full-blown allergic reaction. The doses are increased gradually. Over a period of time your body gets desensitized to the allergen, and you may no longer suffer from allergic reactions.Are Allergy Shots Suitable For You?
You can choose allergy shots if:
- If you have allergies throughout the year
- If you are unable to avoid the allergens
- If your allergy medications do not provide relief
- If you are unable to bear the side-effects of medications
- If you want long-term relief from allergies
The Allergies Which Can Be Treated by Allergy Shots:
The following are the allergies which can be treated by allergy shots:
- Seasonal allergies: Allergies to pollen, weeds or grass
- Indoor allergies: Allergies to mold, dust mites, cockroaches, and pet dander
- Insect sting allergies: Allergies to stings from insects such as wasps, bees, yellow jackets or hornets etc.
How are Allergy Shots Given?
Allergy shots are given in the upper arm. These shots are given in the following phases:
- Buildup phase: Allergy shots are given for 3 to 7 months, 1 to 3 shots every week. For each shot, the amount of allergen is increased gradually. This would make your body desensitized to the allergen
- Maintenance phase: After the build up phase, this phase lasts about 3 to 5 years or more. You would need to get the shots only once every month
As you take allergy shots, the symptoms would become milder. There would be improvement in the first year. However, the improvement would be most noticeable during the second year. During the third year, you may not suffer from allergic reactions.
How to be Safe?
Make sure your allergy shots are administered only under the supervision of an allergist or other doctor trained in immunology. The allergy shot can cause mild reaction at the site of the injection. Patients are made to wait for about 20 to 30 minutes to ensure they would be treated if they have a more severe reaction.
Allergy shots have numerous benefits and are effective if you are looking at a long-term solution for your allergies. Hence, consult your allergist/doctor to know if you would be a suitable candidate for allergy shots.
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