Allergy Shots

Some allergies can be really persistent, some even to the fact that they don't respond to medications. Some allergies bring along side effects that can be caused by the allergy itself, or by the medication to cure. These side effects can be avoided if you choose to take allergy shots ahead of the allergic reaction. An allergy shot works much like a vaccination in boosting your body's immune system, and aid it in fighting the allergic reaction before it even occurs. How Do They Work?

Allergy shots contain a small amount of the substance which you are allergic to. If you are allergic to pollen, a small amount of pollen would be added to the shot. The amount is small enough so that it does not cause you to suffering from allergy symptoms, but enough so that you body gets used to fighting the allergen. Therefore, the next time your body comes in contact with that substance, it will be familiar with fighting it off and you will most likely not suffer from allergies.

Allergy shots are comprised of diluted versions of the allergens the patient has a reaction to. Usually, the ration is about 100,000 to one. In some cases, ear, nose, and throat doctors use a dilution of a million to one.

The allergens are injected into the patient who is then asked to wait until thirty minutes has passed to see if there is any reaction to the shot. If there is no reaction, the patient can leave; if there is a reaction, the patient must see the doctor before leaving.

Allergy shots work similarly as vaccinations -- boosting the body's immune system to defend itself and block allergic reactions. Immunotherapy treatments performed by the hands of well-trained health professionals are safe and effective for all ages.

Are Allergy Shots Safe For Everyone?

Although most people will have positive results from allergy shots, they are not right for everyone. Allergy shots are not recommended for individuals suffering from severe heart problems, asthma or other respiratory problems. Also, children under the age of 5 should not be exposed to allergy shots for safety reasons.

How long must I take allergy shots?

If you decide, along with your doctor, to get allergy shots, he will first have to give you an allergy test to determine what allergies you have. This test in effect is actual treatment as some of each allergen has to be injected into you in order to do the test. After the results are in, a vaccine can be made which can then be given on a weekly or biweekly basis or for whatever interval the doctor thinks is necessary.

Once you start taking your shots you will at first have to take them every week or every other week. After about 6 months most people can go on what is called maintenance and get shots once each month. This usually continues for about 3 to 5 years until eventually most people no longer need to take shots because their immunity has been built up enough to the allergens.

Side Effects?

Although allergy shots are effective for many individuals in eliminating allergy symptoms, certain individuals may experience some harmful side effects. Some people may experience feelings of shock when the shot is initially injected, others may feel light-headed or nauseated. For this reason, doctors are required to keep patients in their office for at least 20 minutes after receiving each shot in order to ensure the patient’s safety.

Before you start allergy shots, however, talk to your doctor about your entire medical history. Certain health conditions you have or medicines you take may prevent you from being a candidate for allergy shots.