Allergy shots
Allergy shots are a type of immunotherapy to help treat allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. Small doses of substances (allergens) are injected under the skin. This may help your immune system reduce or eliminate sensitivity to the allergen that causes an allergic reaction.
A doctor will do skin or blood tests to find out what the person is allergic to. Allergy shots are available for some allergies to:
- Pollen (ragweed, grasses, trees).
- House dust mites and cockroaches.
- Animal dander (dogs and cats).
- Mold (fungus).
- Insect venom (wasps, bees, yellow jackets, hornets, fire ants).
Why are allergy shots for allergic rhinitis done?
Allergy shots can reduce your reaction to allergens, which can result in fewer or less severe symptoms. They may also prevent children who have allergic rhinitis from getting asthma. Recommendations on when to get allergy shots vary, but in general you and your doctor may consider them when:
- Allergy symptoms are severe enough that the benefit from the shots outweighs the expense and the time spent getting the shots.
- You are allergic to only a few substances, and they are hard to avoid.
- Avoiding allergens and using medicine do not control symptoms, or you have to take medicine all the time to control symptoms.
- Side effects of medicines are a problem.
- You want a treatment for the cause of your allergy, rather than treatment for just the symptoms.
- You have another condition that is being affected by allergic rhinitis, such as asthma.
- You want to lower the chance that you will develop asthma.
How are allergy shots for allergic rhinitis given?
At first, a small amount of allergens is used. You get the shots once or twice a week. The amount of allergen is gradually increased.
After about 4 to 6 months of weekly shots, you will likely be getting the best amount of allergen in the shot. This is called the maintenance dose. When you reach the maintenance dose, you get the same dose in shots every 2 to 4 weeks for the next 4 to 6 months.
The period between shots is gradually increased to about a month. And the dose usually stays the same each month. After 1 year of maintenance, your allergist will check to see if you have fewer or less severe symptoms. If your allergy symptoms have not changed, you will no longer get the shots. If your symptoms have improved, you may keep getting monthly shots for up to 3 to 5 years.
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