Bid farewell to allergies with Meri Sehat's comprehensive guide to allergy shots. Find relief and reclaim your quality of life.

Say Goodbye To Allergies: A Comprehensive Guide To Allergy Shots

Allergy shots are a treatment option for people who experience allergic reactions to various allergens, like dust mites, pollen, or insect venom.

Introduction

Allergy shots, sometimes called allergen immunotherapy, allergy desensitization, or hypo-sensitization, increase a person&#39;s tolerance to the allergen over time. 
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Understanding Allergy Shots: A Complete Guide

Allergy shots introduce the allergen into the body&rsquo;s circulation over time. Doses are increased gradually to develop tolerance in the body. Consequently, it results in a less severe reaction. 
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The allergy shots are injected into the upper arm. They must be administered in two phases to produce an effective response<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>: 
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<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Phase 1</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

The buildup phase usually lasts 3-6 months with shots being administered 1-3 times a week.

The amount of allergen in the shots gradually increases until the patient achieves the maintenance dose, which is the maximum amount that may be administered without significantly affecting the patient&#39;s condition. 
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The building phase can sometimes be completed more quickly. This is known as rush immunotherapy. However, this method calls for multiple injections with increasing doses during each doctor&#39;s appointment.

While this shortens the time it takes to enter the maintenance phase and experience relief from allergy symptoms, it also increases the likelihood that the person experiences a severe reaction. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Phase 2</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

The maintenance dose is administered regularly, often once monthly for 3-5 years.

Note: Stay in your doctor&#39;s office for 30 minutes after each shot to assess if your body has an adverse reaction and deal with it. 
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Allergies are thought to cause around 50% of adult asthma cases and 80% of pediatric asthma cases<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>. 
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Generally, people who are susceptible to inhalation allergens and insect venoms typically respond best to allergy injections. However, those with the following conditions may take allergy shots:

<ul>
	<li>Allergic rhinitis</li>
	<li>Allergic asthma</li>
	<li>Eye allergies or<a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/allergic-conjunctivitis"> allergic conjunctivitis</a></li>
	<li>Allergies to some insect bites, especially bees or some stinging insects</li>
	<li>Atopic Dermatitis<a href="#accordion">[6]</a> 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Also, people can opt for allergy shots if:

<ul>
	<li>They want to reduce their long-term medication use</li>
	<li>They feel their medications are not controlling their symptoms effectively</li>
	<li>They feel their medications have bothersome side-effects 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Kids above the age of 5 are given allergy injections. Younger children may be unable to express any potential adverse effects or pain that would call for discontinuing the therapy. 
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Additionally, allergy injections are not advised for:

<ul>
	<li>Pregnant women</li>
	<li>Severe asthmatic patients</li>
	<li>Heart disease patients 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<ol>
	<li>
	Reduces Allergic Symptoms
	</li>
</ol>

Allergy shots alleviate allergic symptoms, like sneezing, itching, and runny nose. 
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<ol start="2">
	<li>
	Long-Lasting Results
	</li>
</ol>

Allergy shots can be effective long after the therapy ends. In some situations, they can even be permanent. 
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<ol start="3">
	<li>
	Safe And Effective
	</li>
</ol>

Allergy injections are thought to be both safe and efficient for the majority of allergy sufferers. 
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<ol start="4">
	<li>
	Cost-Effective
	</li>
</ol>

Allergy shots are a more affordable option when compared to other types of allergy treatment, such as over-the-counter drugs. 
&nbsp;

<ol start="5">
	<li>
	Prevents Future Allergic Reactions
	</li>
</ol>

Allergy shots can reduce the necessity for other allergy treatments by developing a tolerance to the allergen and preventing future allergic reactions. 
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While allergy shots are pretty harmless for most, they can trigger an adverse reaction in a few people. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Local Reaction</h5>

<ul>
	<li>Local reactions at the injection site include redness, swelling, or irritation. These often appear a few hours after injections. They usually last for a brief period and go away on their own. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h5>Systemic Response</h5>

<ul>
	<li>Systemic responses occur less frequently, but they&rsquo;re more serious. They include hives, nasal congestion, and sneezing. More severe reactions include tightness in the chest, wheezing, and swollen throat. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h5>Anaphylaxis</h5>

<ul>
	<li>Anaphylaxis is a rare but potentially fatal reaction to allergy injections. It usually starts within 30 minutes of the injection and causes low blood pressure and breathing problems. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Women are often advised against beginning allergy injections while pregnant.

However, in case a woman already taking her allergy shots becomes pregnant, doctors usually suggest continuing the allergy shots, with some changes to the dosage to avoid the risk of side effects. 
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Note: It&#39;s crucial to speak with a doctor about the best method to handle allergy symptoms if they appear during pregnancy. 
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<ol>
	<li>
	<h5>Age Requirements</h5>
	</li>
</ol>

Allergy shots can be administered to five-years-old, as long as their general health allows it. 
&nbsp;

<ol start="2">
	<li>
	<h5>Dosage</h5>
	</li>
</ol>

The dose is set according to their age as well as weight. Doctors usually request regular visits to track the child&rsquo;s development and modify the dosage as necessary. 
&nbsp;

<ol start="3">
	<li>
	<h5>Compliance</h5>
	</li>
</ol>

It is challenging for a child to adhere to the allergy shot schedule or to take the appropriate precautions, like limiting exposure to the allergens, after the dose. Children get the due care and treatment given the caregiver and doctors monitor them closely. 
&nbsp;

<ol>
	<li>
	<h5>Dosage</h5>
	</li>
</ol>

Adults often receive a higher dosage of allergens in regular allergy shots than children due to their weight and greater tolerance for the medication. 
&nbsp;

<ol start="2">
	<li>
	<h5>Compliance</h5>
	</li>
</ol>

In contrast to children, adults can stick to the allergy injection schedule and take the appropriate measures. However, some individuals can find it challenging to follow the prescribed course of action, especially if they have a hectic schedule or cannot see the allergist frequently. 
&nbsp;

<ol start="3">
	<li>
	<h5>Workplace Considerations</h5>
	</li>
</ol>

Adults receiving allergy shots need to consider how the treatment may affect their workflow, including the time needed for doctor visits and any potential shot adverse effects. 
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Conclusion

Allergy shots can offer long-lasting relief from symptoms. Even though they are considered an effective and safe technique to manage allergies in children and adults, allergy shots can be risky. Discuss the pros and cons with a medical professional before beginning therapy. 
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Key Takeaways

<ul>
	<li>Immunotherapy, sometimes called allergy shots, is a long-lasting form of treatment for allergies.</li>
	<li>Allergy shots gradually increase the body&#39;s tolerance to allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, and animal dander.</li>
	<li>Allergy shots don&#39;t work instantly and take years of commitment for results.</li>
</ul>

[1] Worm M, Lee H-H, Kostev K. Prevalence and treatment profile of patients with grass pollen and house dust mite allergy. JDDG J der Dtsch Dermatologischen Gesellschaft. 2013;11(7):653–61.

[2] Fornadley J. Allergy immunotherapy. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 1998;31(1):111–27.

[3] Dinsmoor R. Allergy shots: Taking the sting out of allergic asthma. Asthma Mag. 2001;6(3):14–6.

[4] Allergy shots. Mayo Clinic

[5] Akar-Ghibril N, Casale T, Custovic A, Phipatanakul W. Allergic Endotypes and Phenotypes of Asthma [published correction appears in J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2020 May;8(5):1779]. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2020;8(2):429-440. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2019.11.008

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