Allergy Shots

Overview

Allergy shots are a long-term treatment designed to relieve chronic allergy symptoms. This safe and effective treatment helps reduce the body's sensitivity to allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander. By gradually building tolerance, allergy shots can significantly alleviate symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. Patients often experience lasting relief and an improved quality of life with a well-tolerated treatment plan.

What Are Allergy Shots?

Allergy shots, also known as allergen immunotherapy, are injections given to patients to help reduce their sensitivity to allergens. They work by gradually exposing the immune system to increasing amounts of the allergen, which helps build tolerance and reduce symptoms over time.

Benefits

Allergy shots offer several benefits, including:

Long-term Relief: Provides prolonged symptom relief even after stopping treatment.

Effectiveness: Proven to reduce allergy symptoms and improve quality of life.

Reduction in Medication Use: Can decrease the need for other allergy medications.

Customized Treatment: Tailored to the patient's specific allergens.

Treatment Details

How Do Allergy Shots Work?

Allergy shots work by introducing small amounts of the allergen into the body, which helps the immune system build tolerance. The treatment starts with a build-up phase, where injections are given frequently with increasing doses, followed by a maintenance phase with less frequent injections.

How Effective are Allergy Shots?

Allergy shots are highly effective in reducing allergy symptoms. Many patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms and a decreased need for other allergy medications. Clinical studies support their effectiveness, particularly for pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander allergies.

Allergy Shot Side Effects

While allergy shots are generally safe, they can cause side effects such as:

• Redness and swelling at the injection site
• Itching
• Sneezing
• Hives
• In rare cases, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)

Recovery & Outlook

When Do Allergy Shots Start Working?

Most patients notice improvements in their allergy symptoms within six months to a year of starting allergy shots. Full benefits can take up to a year or more, depending on the severity of the allergies and the patient's response to treatment.

How Long Do Allergy Shots Last?

The effects of allergy shots can last several years after the treatment ends. Some patients may require monthly booster shots to maintain their symptom relief.

Allergy Shots Versus Drops

Allergy shots and sublingual allergy drops (SLIT) are both forms of immunotherapy, but they have key differences:

• Administration: Healthcare professionals administer shots, while drops can be self-administered at home.
• Safety: Drops have a lower risk of severe allergic reactions than shots.
• Convenience: Drops offer more convenience as they don't require frequent doctor visits. 
• Lifestyle: Shots may be the right choice for anyone who thinks they will have trouble adhering to a daily drop regimen at home.  Drops are a good option for anyone who has a hectic schedule.  It is important to make a choice that takes your lifestyle into account.

Allergy Shots For Kids

Allergy shots are safe and effective for children. They can help manage severe allergies and improve quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Patients can make informed decisions about their allergy treatment by understanding allergy shots, benefits, and treatment details and comparing them with other options. Consult an ENT specialist to discuss your needs and develop a personalized treatment plan.