Millions of Americans suffer from various types of allergies.
If other treatments have been unsuccessful, you may be considering allergy shots (also called immunotherapy).
But do allergy shots really work?
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Are they worth the risk?
Here’s what you oughta know before choosing immunotherapy.
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Shots to Help You Tolerate Your Allergy Triggers
The substances you are allergic to are calledallergensor triggers.
So, do allergy shots work?
The short answer is yes, but not for everyone.
Allergy shots are not a treatment option that should be taken lightly.
The treatment is broken up into two phases called the build-up phase and the maintenance phase.
During the build-up phase, you are given increasing amounts of the allergen weekly for three to six months.
The second phase is called the maintenance phase.
Serious reactions are rare, but you should be sure to undergo immunotherapy only with a qualifiedallergist/immunologist.
Almost all patients experience, at the least, a reduction in symptoms.
You may wish to ask yourself some of the following questions before making a decision.
However, only you and your healthcare provider can decide if allergy shots are right for you.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Treatment for living with food allergy.
Moote W, Kim H.Allergen-specific immunotherapy.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol.2011;7 Suppl 1:S5.
doi:10.1186/1710-1492-7-S1-S5
Saporta D.Efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy versus subcutaneous injection immunotherapy in allergic patients.J Environ Public Health.
2012;2012:492405. doi:10.1155/2012/492405
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Allergy shots (immunotherapy).
