Allergy Shots: What You Need To Know

Millions of people across the globe struggle with allergies almost every day. From sneezing through springtime to avoiding foods like peanuts and milk, allergies significantly affect routines. If you too are tired of managing your allergy symptoms with temporary solutions, allergy shots are what you need. Also known as allergen immunotherapy, it might be the long-term answer for your allergy concerns.

Read below this article to explore allergy shots, the science behind it, benefits, risks, and more.

Allergy shots are a type of immunotherapy designed to reduce your sensitivity to allergens. It typically works by gradually introducing your body to small, controlled doses of the allergen via injections or sublingual tablets. With time, this dosage actually trains your immune system to stop overreacting. The best part is—according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, this treatment has a high success rate, reducing symptoms in 85-90 percent of patients suffering from allergic rhinitis or hay fever. 

The treatment is conducted in two phases. During the build-up phase, which stretches over a period of weeks to months, the patient receives injections with gradually increasing doses of the allergen. This helps the body to adjust without triggering severe reactions. 

In its maintenance phase, wherein once the optimal dose is reached, injections are spaced out to every 2-4 weeks. And this phase can last up to 3-5 years to ensure long-term effectiveness against allergies.

Despite several treatments for allergies that exist, allergy shots still stand out. Here are a few key benefits of allergy shots:

One of the most beneficial ways allergy shots make their way ahead is—unlike medications that only manage symptoms temporarily, allergy shots directly address the root cause and work by desensitizing your immune system.

Even though the initial cost of allergy shots might seem high, this procedure is actually cost-effective over time as it will save you more on medications and doctor visits in the long run.

Another essential benefit is that allergy shots can prevent the development of new allergies.

Allergy shots are especially effective for people who are dealing with seasonal and indoor allergies typically triggered from environmental allergens such as dust mites, mold, or pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds. It also works best for patients dealing with insect allergies, or if they have had severe reactions to bee stings or other insect bites, immunotherapy could actually be a lifesaver.

In fact, with the steep prevalence of allergies worldwide affecting nearly 30% of adults and 40% of children and with environmental factors worsening the condition further, prevention at an early stage can actually make a big difference. Especially with the advancements of technology, immunotherapy has been made more effective than ever before.

Yes, similar to other medical treatments, allergy shots too have some risks involved, including mild side effects such as redness or swelling at the injection site. In rare cases, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can occur, which makes it important to receive these shots under strong medical supervision. However, the risk of severe reactions is less than 0.1 percent, which makes it a safe choice for most people.

Allergy shots are your way to lead a life with no allergy limitations. After all, who doesn't want to enjoy their everyday lives without the fear of pollens, to eat their favorite food without the fear of allergic reactions, or to just enjoy without a runny nose? If this is something that resonates with you, you can consult your healthcare provider and take your first step towards long-term relief from allergies.