Allergen immunotherapy, or allergy shots, help your body to
fight an allergen. When your body is
exposed to an allergen, your
body releases histamines and other chemicals that will cause an
allergic reaction. An allergy shot in fact contains a bit of what
you are allergic to. The allergen is injected under the skin
(subcutaneously), usually in the back of the upper arm. Your body
will make antibodies to the allergen, which in time, will help your
allergy symptoms to be reduced or possibly stopped. Allergy shots
may also benefit those with asthma by alleviating asthma symptoms,
but they are not recommended for those with severe asthma.
Allergen immunotherapy works well for those who are allergic
to pollen, bee stings, have allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis/eye
allergies. Those who are allergic to pollen, dust mites, pets and
mold can receive this treatment as well. Those who are allergic to
foods should not undergo allergy shots, but rather completely avoid
the food they are allergic too. Children under five should not
receive allergy shots, and those with heart problems should not
receive them as well. Again, those with severe asthma are not
candidates for allergen immunotherapy.
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The beginning phase of immunotherapy is the build-up phase.
The patient is injected with a tiny amount of the allergen, often
one to two times a week. The patient will be asked to wait in the
office for approximately 20 minutes. After this time, the nurse
will check the injection site. It may be a little swollen or red.
Patients with more severe reactions such as sneezing, hives or nasal
congestion will be asked to stay longer. In rare cases, a patient
may have a systemic reaction that leads to
anaphylaxis. This is why
treatment is always conducted at a health care facility. As the
build-up phase continues, increasing amounts of allergen are given
with each shot. This build-up time period will usually last from
three to six months.
The second phase is the maintenance phase. Once the
patient’s effective therapeutic dose is reached, that level is
maintained and shots are given once every two to four weeks.
Results from these shots may begin by six months, but can take up to
12 months. Patients will begin to find relief from their allergy
symptoms since the body is now producing antibodies to the
allergen. The maintenance phase may be continued for three to five
years. Some patients will experience long lasting allergy relief
after allergen immunotherapy, while others may relapse once the
therapy is discontinued.
Did you know that in
certain European countries,
allergy drops are being used in place of injections?
