Allergy shots, also known as allergen immunotherapy, are a long-term treatment for allergies. They help desensitize people to allergens like mold, dust mites, animal dander, pollen, and insect venom.
Common side effects of allergy shots include redness, swelling, and itching at the injection site. At Liv Hospital, we stress the need for medical supervision during shots. This helps manage any side effects.
Key Takeaways
- Allergy shots are a long-term treatment for allergic conditions.
- Common side effects include redness, swelling, and itching at the injection site.
- Medical supervision is key during allergy shot administration.
- Allergy shots help patients become less sensitive to specific allergens.
- Liv Hospital offers full support for international patients getting allergy shots.
Understanding Allergen Immunotherapy
For those with severe allergies, allergen immunotherapy is a hopeful solution. It helps the immune system get used to specific allergens. Symptoms happen when the immune system attacks an allergen in the body.
Treatment with allergy shots, or immunotherapy, involves injecting a small amount of an allergen. This makes antibodies that block the allergen from causing symptoms.
What Are Allergy Shots?
Allergy shots are a type of immunotherapy. They involve injecting small amounts of an allergen to desensitize the body. This treatment is long-term, lasting three to five years.
During the buildup phase, patients get injections one to three times weekly. The aim is to lessen the severity of allergic reactions over time.
How Allergy Immunotherapy Works
The allergy immunotherapy process introduces the allergen to the body gradually. This allows it to build a tolerance. At first, injections are given often, but as the body gets less sensitive, they are given less frequently.
According to the Medical organization, this treatment can offer long-term relief from allergy symptoms.
Who Can Benefit from Treatment
Those with severe allergies, like allergic rhinitis, asthma, or insect sting allergies, can benefit from allergy shots. It’s great for those whose symptoms don’t respond well to medication. Immunotherapy can help reduce the need for allergy medications and improve life quality.
Common Reaction to Allergy Injection: What to Expect
It’s important for patients to know about possible reactions to allergy shots. These shots are usually safe but can cause different reactions. These can range from mild irritation to serious body-wide responses.
Local Reactions at the Injection Site
Most side effects of allergy shots happen at the injection site. These reactions usually start within 20-30 minutes. They might include redness, swelling, or itching.
Most of the time, these reactions are mild and go away by the next day. You can try using a cold compress or an antihistamine to help with the symptoms.
Systemic Reactions to Allergy Shots
Systemic reactions are less common but can be serious. They might cause itching or hives, sneezing, or a runny nose. They can also make your eyes red, itchy, or watery.
In rare cases, these reactions can lead to anaphylaxis. This is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. It needs immediate medical help. Studies show that about 0.24 percent of people need epinephrine for these reactions.
For more information on reactions to allergy shots, visit our page on the topic. It offers detailed insights into managing and understanding these reactions.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It’s important to watch your symptoms after getting an allergy shot. If you have severe symptoms like trouble breathing or a fast heartbeat, get help right away. Also, if your local reactions are bad or last more than a couple of days, talk to your doctor.
Key Takeaways:
- Local reactions are common and usually mild.
- Systemic reactions are rare but can be serious.
- Watching your symptoms and knowing when to get medical help is key.
Allergy Shot Timeline and Frequency
For those getting allergy shots, knowing what to expect is key. These shots, or allergen immunotherapy, are given in a set schedule. This helps patients get used to certain allergens over time.
The Build-up Phase: How Often Allergy Shots Are Given
In the initial build-up phase, which lasts six to ten months, shots are given one to three times a week. This close schedule is vital for building tolerance. The exact frequency can change based on how the patient reacts and the treatment plan.
As the build-up phase goes on, the dose of the allergen increases with each shot. This helps the body become less sensitive. It’s important for patients to stick to this schedule for the best results.
Maintenance Phase: Reduced Frequency
After the build-up phase, patients move to the maintenance phase. Here, shots are given once every four to six weeks. This lower frequency lasts for the rest of the treatment, which can be three to five years.
This phase is key for keeping the tolerance to the allergen. Regular shots during this phase keep the desensitization from the build-up phase going strong.
Medical Expert, Allergist
Total Duration: How Long Do You Have to Take Allergy Shots
Allergy shot treatment usually lasts three to five years. The exact time can depend on how well the treatment works and how severe the allergies are. Some may see symptom relief in a few years, while others might need longer treatment.
It’s important for patients to work with their healthcare provider to find the right treatment schedule and length. Regular check-ups and adjustments to the treatment plan can help achieve the best results.
Conclusion
Allergy shots, or allergen immunotherapy, offer a long-term treatment approach. They can provide significant relief from allergy symptoms. It’s natural to have concerns about side effects, but most reactions are mild and temporary.
Some people wonder, “can allergy shot make you sick?” or experience “fever after allergy shot.” Serious reactions are rare. Most people tolerate allergy shots well. Knowing about “allergy shots reaction” helps manage expectations and ensures a smooth treatment process.
We recommend talking to healthcare professionals to see if allergy shots are right for you. With proper medical supervision, the benefits can be huge. This can lead to a better quality of life for those with allergies.
FAQ
What are allergy shots?
Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are injections that gradually train your immune system to become less sensitive to specific allergens.
How often are allergy shots given?
They are given 1–2 times weekly during build-up and every 3–4 weeks during maintenance.
What are the common side effects of allergy shots?
Mild redness, swelling, itching at the injection site, and occasional sneezing or fatigue.
Can allergy shots make you sick?
They may cause mild allergy-like or flu-like symptoms, but true illness is rare.
How long do you have to take allergy shots?
Usually 3–5 years for lasting benefits.
What should I do if I experience a reaction to an allergy shot?
Tell your healthcare provider immediately and seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, dizziness, or widespread hives.
Are there any measures to alleviate mild reactions to allergy shots?
Apply a cold compress, take an antihistamine, and avoid strenuous exercise for several hours.
Can I stop taking allergy shots if my symptoms improve?
You should complete the full course as advised, since stopping early may reduce long-term effectiveness.
How will I be monitored after receiving an allergy shot?
You will be observed in the clinic for about 20–30 minutes for any immediate reactions.
Can allergy shots prevent new allergies?
They may reduce the risk of developing new allergies, especially in children.
What is the build-up phase of allergy shots?
It is the initial period of weekly injections with gradually increasing doses to reach an effective level.
What happens during the maintenance phase of allergy shots?
You receive a stable dose every 3–4 weeks to maintain long-term symptom control.
References
National Center for Biotechnology Information. Evidence-Based Medical Insight. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7017974/
