Do Allergy Shots Work?
The technical term for this procedure is allergen immunotherapy but almost everybody just calls it allergy shots. Sometimes it is also called specific immunotherapy because the injections are designed to target only your specific allergies. The first step, of course, is to clearly understand exactly what it is you are allergic to so that the allergy shots can be targeted for you. Your doctor will use various skin and blood tests to identify the specific allergies. Once the allergens are identified, the series of allergy shots can be setup. The procedure does not involve just one shot but rather a series of many shots administered over an extended period of time. You will get 1 or 2 shots per week of a very low dose to start with. Usually you are given the shot in your upper arm and the doctor will ask that you stay in the clinic for 20 to 30 minutes to make sure you don't react severely to the dose. This procedure of one shot per week continues for up to 6 or 7 months with ever-increasing doses of the allergen. Once you reach a dose level that allows you to effectively fight off normal environmental levels of the allergen then the doctor will switch you to a maintenance allergy shot that will be given approximately once per month. The monthly maintenance allergy shot in some cases will continue for up to several years. Sometimes this procedure will give you a permanent immunity to the allergen but more often you will need to go through the procedure again at some time in the future.
The idea is to slowly build up your resistance to the allergies without giving you so much at a time that you get severe reactions. It is very similar to a vaccination. Over a period of time your body gets used to fighting off the invading substance and your negative reactions to the allergy are reduced or eliminated. You build up immunity to the allergy substance. The bodies normal reaction to allergens is to generate a substance called IgE which is short for immunoglobulin E. IgE builds up a defensive barrier to the allergen by causing typical allergy responses; runny nose, sore and watery eyes, sneezing, inflammation, congestion and skin redness. The goal of allergy shots is to get the body to make a different molecule called immunoglobulin G (IgG). Unlike IgE, IgG will go on the offensive against the allergen. It binds with and effectively destroys the allergen. This reduces the amount of the allergen that the IgE reacts to which in turn will reduce your allergy symptoms.
Allergy shots can be extremely effective against insect stings and bites and also against allergens that you would inhale. For example, up to 75 percent of hay fever sufferers get reduced or eliminated allergy symptoms by going through allergen immunotherapy.
Related Tags: allergies
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Medical Billing
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Daily Precautions For Asthma Patients
Asthma is a chronic disease of the respiratory system and may turn even fatal at times. It is theref - Factors or Conditions That Impersonate Asthma
Asthma is a chronic disease of the respiratory tract and is mainly caused by constriction of the air - What Can I Do About My Wheat Allergy?
Food allergies are very common. There are several different types of food allergies but a wheat all - Help I Am Allergic To Latex
If you are allergic to latex then you suffer from allergies Type 1 or contact allergy. Latex is mad - Help I Am Allergic To Alcohol
If you are truly allergic to alcohol then you suffer from Allergies Type 1, also called Contact Alle - Help I Am Allergic To Chocolate
If you are allergic to chocolate then you suffer from Allergies Type 1, also called Contact Allergie - The Importance Of Regular Air Duct Cleaning
Indoor air pollution is a serious health hazard; in fact, it has been shown to be at least partly re - Aromatherapy - Allergy Relief - Oils in Synergy and Methods of Application
A synergistic essential oil blend is often more effective for helping to promote symptomatic relief - Aromatherapy - Allergy Relief - Oils to Use in Synergy
A synergistic essential oil blend is often more effective for helping to promote symptomatic relief - Asthma, Allergy And Vacuum Cleaning
Now, at the beginning of 21st century every 4th person in Europe is allergic and every 6th suffers f
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Allegra-Anti-Allergy
Allegrah is effectively used to treat allergic symptoms like itchy red eyes, stuffy nose and throat - Is There a Link between Allergies and Asthma?
The short answer is absolutely YES, there is a link between having allergies and developing asthma. - Dust Mites - Common Cause Of Allergies And Asthma In Kids And Teens
Have you ever been worried about Dust Mites in your child or teens' bedding? Did you know that Dust - Natural Allergy Relief
Whether it's the long-awaited change of winter into spring, or the quiet fading of summer into fall, - Indoor Health Care Network Cites January as Peak Indoor Living Health Month
January involves us fully into winter "indoor living" where the air can be far more stagnant and pol - Treatments of Asthma
Asthma is a disease of the lungs that affects your breathing. It is a disease in which a person's a - Asthma Cures - Treatments And Tips For Coping With Asthma
Many millions of people are affected by Asthma, from the very young to the senior citizen. It shapes - How to Take Good Care of Your Nose?
A patient once had asked to a doctor about what did he need to do to take good care of his nose. The - Natural Latex
Popular in Europe for decades, natural latex has evolved into the best natural sleeping surface on t - Treating Food Allergies
Do you develop an unexplainable itchy rash after eating shellfish or certain varieties of fish? How