Allergy Immunotherapy
What is Allergy Immunotherapy?
Allergy shots are regular injections over a period of your time — generally around three to 5 years — to prevent or reduce allergy attacks. Allergy shots are a sort of treatment called immunotherapy. Each allergy shot comprises a small amount of the precise substance or substances that trigger your allergies. These are called allergens. Allergy shots contain only enough allergens to stimulate your system — but not enough to cause a full-blown allergy.
Over time, your doctor or pediatrician increases the dose of allergens in each of your allergy shots. This helps your body get used to the allergens (desensitization). Your system builds up a tolerance to the allergens, causing your allergy symptoms to diminish over time.
Allergy shots are regular injections over a period of your time — generally around three to 5 years — to prevent or reduce allergy attacks. Allergy shots are a sort of treatment called immunotherapy. Each allergy shot comprises a small amount of the precise substance or substances that trigger your allergies. These are called allergens. Allergy shots contain only enough allergens to stimulate your system — but not enough to cause a full-blown allergy.
Over time, your doctor or pediatrician increases the dose of allergens in each of your allergy shots. This helps your body get used to the allergens (desensitization). Your system builds up a tolerance to the allergens, causing your allergy symptoms to diminish over time.
Allergy shots help your body get used to allergens, the items that trigger an allergy. They aren’t a cure, but over time, your symptoms will recover and you’ll not have symptoms as often.
You may want to think about allergy shots also called “immunotherapy” – if you’ve got symptoms that medicines don’t offer you enough relief.
Why it’s done ?
Allergy shots could also be an very good treatment choice for you if:
- Medications don’t control your symptoms, and you can’t avoid the things that cause your allergic reactions
- Allergy medications interact with other medications you take and cause bothersome side effects
- You want to scale back your long-term use of allergy medication
Allergy shots can be used to regulate symptoms triggered by:
- Seasonal allergies: If you have periodic allergic asthma or hay fever symptoms, you may be allergic to pollen released by trees, grasses or weeds.
- Indoor allergens: If you’ve got year-round symptoms, you may be sensitive to indoor allergens, like dust mites, cockroaches, mold, or dander from pets like cats or dogs.
- Insect stings: Allergic reactions to insect stings are often triggered by bees, wasps, hornets or yellow jackets.
How often does one get Allergy shots ?
At first, you’ll attend your doctor or pediatrician once or twice every week for several months. You’ll get the shot in your upper arm. It’ll contain a small amount of medicine you’re allergic to – pollen, or pet dander for instance.
The dose will go up gradually until you get to what’s called a maintenance dose. Then, you’ll usually get an attempt every 2-4 weeks for 4-5 months. Then your doctor will gradually increase the time between shots until you’re getting them about once a month for 3-5 years. During that point, your allergy symptoms will improve and should eventually get better.
If your symptoms don’t improve after a year of shots, talk to your doctor about other treatment options.
How Should I prepare oneself against Allergy Shots ?
You may want to avoid exercise or doing anything strenuous for two hours before and after your appointment. That’s because exercise boosts blood flow to the tissues and should cause the allergens to spread throughout your body faster. It’s unlikely to cause a significant problem, but it’s best to be safe.
Tell your doctor or pediatrician about the other medicines or herbs and supplements you’re taking as some medications interfere with the treatment.
If you’re pregnant or about to get pregnant, ask your doctor whether you ought to still get allergy shots.
Do Allergy Shots Work for Everyone ?
A lot depends on what percentage things you’re allergic to and the way severe your symptoms are. Generally, allergy shots work for allergies to bee stings, pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander.
When Should I Call My Doctor ?
Get on the phone and attend the closest ER if you’ve got shortness of breath, a decent throat, or the other symptoms that worry you after getting your shot.
Who shouldn’t get Allergy Shots ?
They may be riskier for people with heart or lung disease, or who take certain medications. Tell your allergist about your health and any medicines you’re taking, so you’ll decide if allergy shots are right for you.
Risks
- Local reactions, which may involve redness, swelling or irritation at the injection site. These common reactions typically begin within a couple of hours of the injection and clear up soon after.
- Systemic reactions, which are rare — but potentially more serious. You may develop sneezing, nasal congestion or hives. More-severe reactions may include throat swelling, wheezing or chest tightness.
- Anaphylaxis may be a rare life-threatening reaction to allergy shots. It can cause low vital sign and trouble breathing. Anaphylaxis often begins within half-hour of the injection, but sometimes starts later than that.
If you are suffering from allergies that are bothering you on a day-to-day basis, you can call Quick MD Care at 972-645-9400 to discuss with at board certified physician and get tested and also discuss about what treatment options are available for you.
At Quick MD care, we strongly suggest regular preventive check-ups for your child so that you can identify early signs of allergies. We are well-equipped with all the infrastructure, expertise and facilities to diagnose and treat childhood allergies. We are known for providing best-in-class service in treating and caring for your child. We serve patients from Frisco TX, Little Elm TX, The Colony TX, McKinney TX, Prosper TX, Aubrey TX, Oak Point TX, Lakewood Village TX, Plano TX, and Dallas TX.