Allergy Shots
With over 50 million Americans experiencing allergy symptoms every year, more are turning to longer-term allergy solutions for their conditions. Allergy shots are a form of treatment called immunotherapy, which involves a physician treating a disease by directly targeting the immune system.
Allergy Shots Q&A
How Do Allergy Shots Work?
Allergy shots inject mild amounts of an allergen into the body to develop an immunity or tolerance, in the same way a vaccine works. Doctors use them to treat and manage seasonal allergies, indoor allergens, and insect stings.
There are two phases to an allergen treatment plan: the build-up phase and the maintenance phase.
Build-up Phase
This phase involves increasing the volume of allergen injected each week until the body is either fully immunized or much more tolerant of the allergen. It usually takes six to eight months, depending on whether someone receives one or two shots per week.
Maintenance Phase
Once the physician is satisfied that the patient has received an effective dose of allergen, they schedule less-frequent visits. Some people drop down to just once-a-month appointments.
Dr. Hajee works with you to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your symptoms and triggers. Call Metropolitan Asthma and Allergy today to schedule a consultation.
Who benefits most from allergy shots?
A strong candidate for allergy shots is someone who can’t avoid their allergen and doesn’t respond well to allergy medication. They may want to reduce how much medication they take; they might take other medicines that interact with allergy medicine; or they could be allergic to insect stings.
Deciding on whether allergy shots are the best course of action depends on several things, including:
- Length of the allergy season
- Severity of symptoms
- Response to other treatments
- Level of commitment from the patient
- Cost of treatment
Dr. Hajee practices integrative medicine, combining conventional medicine with alternative therapies. Visit the Metropolitan Asthma and Allergy website today to book an appointment.
How quickly do you see results after an allergy shot?
Some people note that their symptoms decrease during the build-up phase, but most see noticeable results after 12 months, during the second year of maintenance. If the shots are successful, doctors recommend continuing the treatment for three to five years before reviewing it. Some see such an improvement after the third year that they can stop the shots altogether; others continue with them for many years.
Allergy shots make a significant difference in how you live day-to-day, especially during allergy seasons. Find a more permanent solution by calling Metropolitan Asthma and Allergy today or visiting the website to book a consultation.
