ALLERGY SHOTS
Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy or
desensitization, are one of the most common approaches to long-term
control of allergies. An allergy shot contains small amount of an
allergen the patient has. For example the patient is allergic to grass
pollen, so the allergy shot suited for him must contain a small portion of
grass pollen. Allergy shots help relieve allergy symptoms by helping your
body fight the allergen. Your body will automatically provide antibodies
to the allergen you have. These antibodies block the way your body reacts
with the allergen every time you get contact with it, minimizing your
allergy symptoms. The relief of your allergy symptoms depends on the
frequency of your allergy shots. The more you take allergy shots, the
lesser you will have allergy symptoms. Allergy shots, commonly done by injection, desensitize the immune
system and sometimes cause allergy symptoms to disappear. Weekly
injections to attain maximum immunization may take anywhere from 12 weeks
to 2 to 3 years.
After that, maintenance shots are given every 2 to 6 weeks, often for many
years. Shots should be planned so the maximum dosage is reached by hay
fever season. Shots are given on a year-round basis. That is why some
patients consider allergy shot treatment too time consuming while it
offers very limited relief.
What type of allergies do allergy shots work well? Allergy
shots are highly effective in allergies such as hay fever or rhinitis, eye
allergies, bee-sting allergy and some drug allergies. They are also
helpful in carefully selected cases of asthma symptoms. There are also limitations in taking allergy shots. Not
everybody can take them. Patients having severe asthma or heart problems
or those taking a beta blocker for heart problems should not take allergy
shots. Children younger than five years old must also not take any allergy
shot. Pregnant women should also not take allergy shots, unless if they
have been taking them before they got pregnant. Doctor’s advice is still
recommended.
How is an allergy shot
treated?
Since an allergy shot contains little portion of the type of allergen the
patient has, the doctor will first conduct skin testing or blood testing
to find out what his patient is allergic to. If the patient's skin test
shows multiple allergens, the doctor may mix all the same allergens in one
vial and another group in another vial.
Such combination ensures that you receive a single shot only
for each potion, reducing the number of treatment you need for effective
therapy. In case the patient has a bad reaction towards the allergy
shot, anaphylaxis, the doctor will have his patient stay at his
clinic for about 20 minutes, to give further advice to his patient. To
prevent from having anaphylaxis, the patient has to get his allergy shots
on schedule. Allergy shots usually take effect after six months or
more. Although the treatment reduces your allergy symptoms,
immunotherapy or allergy shots are not guaranteed permanent cure for
allergies. Patients should still avoid getting contact with their
allergens so they can cooperatively enhance the effectiveness of their
treatment. It is recommended that patients taking allergy shots will also
have to inform their allergists of their medical plans and progress from
time to time, even if the changes may not directly correlates with their
allergies. Patients should also follow and maintain the injection schedule
of their allergy shots or immunotherapy.
Any
side effects? Patients taking
allergy shots should also take extra precautions. There are some
unfortunate cases when
patients have bad reactions towards the allergy shot,
anaphylactic reaction, causing them to die. It is strongly
advised not to take allergy shots at home unless when the doctor is
present and is ready for any circumstances to occur. Patients must
also tell their doctor any unpleasant or strange feeling right after
receiving an allergy shot. In case the patient is not in the clinic he
should take an antihistamine, go to the nearest emergency room, and
report to the staff that he is having a reaction to an allergy shot he had
just received. The two possible
anaphylactic reactions of the patients are categorized into two: local
reactions and the general reactions. Common reactions such as redness,
swelling or itching at the injected part fall under local reaction
category while uncommon and more serious reactions such as sudden extreme
weakness, wheezing and extensive itching. Technologies and
inventions now have come up with various forms of immunotherapy treatment
such as nasal sprays and anti-IgE antibodies.
References:
http://www.doctorgupta.com/allergy-shots.htm
http://healthsciences.columbia.edu/texts/guide/hmg29_0004.html
William
Berger, M.D., M.B.A .
Allergies and Asthma for Dummies(R).
IDG
Books Worldwide, Inc. Copyright 2000.
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