Many people who experience seasonal allergies or allergies to mold or dust find relief from taking over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines and making lifestyle changes that limit exposure to their allergens. When these measures do not help, allergy shots may be the solution.
Allergy shots are a type of immunotherapy that can alleviate allergy symptoms for a longer period of time than oral medications. They are often used as a long-term treatment for allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma and stinging insect allergies.
When you receive allergy shots, a small amount of allergen is injected into the skin of the arm. When the body is exposed to the allergen, the immune system creates antibodies, which stop that allergen from causing symptoms. This process works similarly to how vaccines work.
There are two phases in an allergy shot regimen: a build-up phase and a maintenance phase. When you first begin allergy shots, you will receive injections with increasing amounts of allergen one to two times per week. This phase may continue for up to six months or longer.
After you reach the effective dose, you will begin receiving allergy shots less frequently, usually every four to six weeks, though you may need them more often. It may take up to a year for allergy shots to reduce symptoms.
Allergy shots may be recommended for the treatment of allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, insect bite sensitivity or eczema related to a dust mite allergy. This treatment option can be given to both adults and children older than age five.
Immunotherapy using allergy shots is not an option for those who have food allergies, but it may be appropriate for those who are allergic to:
Allergy shots are often recommended for those who have asthma that is triggered or aggravated by allergies. Through allergy shot treatment, patients can experience relief from the allergic reactions that trigger asthma attacks, which helps them manage asthma and reduces the need for asthma medication in some cases.
At Hattiesburg Clinic, our team of experienced allergy and asthma specialists can help you find the treatment option that works best for your needs. That may include allergy shots, which offer a way of alleviating allergy symptoms for a longer period of time than over-the-counter prescription medications. We also offer this type of immunotherapy to patients with asthma that is reactive to allergens.