Allergy Shots Treatment Procedure
Overview
Allergy shots help improve a person’s response to specific allergens through immunotherapy. Doctors administer regular injections containing small allergen amounts, gradually reducing the immune system’s sensitivity.
Key Points:
- The treatment plan typically lasts 3–5 years.
- Each shot contains a tiny allergen dose to minimize strong reactions.
- Increasing the dose slowly helps train the immune system not to overreact, according to immunology research.
- Organizations like the American Academy of Allergy endorse this treatment for certain allergic conditions.
Reasons for Choosing Allergy Shots
Doctors recommend allergy shots when standard medications (e.g., antihistamines) are ineffective or cause side effects. They’re also advised when avoiding allergens—like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold—is difficult. These shots treat:
| Trigger | Possible Conditions |
|---|---|
| Pollen (trees, weeds) | Hay fever, allergic rhinitis |
| Dust mites, mold | Indoor allergies, asthma |
| Insect stings | Severe sting reactions |
| Pet dander, cockroach | Allergic asthma, conjunctivitis |
Note: Allergy shots do not treat food allergies or chronic hives. They help manage allergic rhinitis, asthma symptoms, or insect sting reactions, reducing reliance on daily medication. Doctors often suggest them for long-term symptom control.
Possible Dangers
Allergy shots can cause side effects. Most are mild and occur near the injection site, such as redness, swelling, itching, or slight discoloration—usually resolving on their own within hours. Some people experience systemic reactions, such as itchy eyes, sneezing, hives, or throat swelling.
Others may develop wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, or chest tightness. A rare but severe complication is anaphylaxis, which can occur within 30 minutes and may cause breathing difficulty, low blood pressure, or severe swelling. Immediate treatment, often with an epinephrine autoinjector, is critical.
Common Side Effects Table
| Symptom | How Often | Serious? |
|---|---|---|
| Redness, swelling | Common | Usually mild |
| Itching at site | Common | Mild |
| Hives, runny nose | Less common | Moderate |
| Wheezing, chest tightness | Rare | Serious |
| Anaphylaxis | Very rare | Emergency |
Missing doses may require restarting at a lower dose for safety. Taking antihistamines beforehand may help reduce local reactions. Clinic staff monitor patients for 30 minutes post-injection to catch early signs of serious reactions. Seek medical care if symptoms develop later.
Steps to Get Ready
Before starting allergy shots, a healthcare provider conducts a skin or blood test to identify allergens. In a skin test, a small amount of allergen is applied to or under the skin (usually via a small scratch). Results are observed within 15 minutes.
Pausing antihistamines may be necessary beforehand, as they can affect test results. Let your provider know if you have asthma or had past reactions to ensure safe testing.
What to Expect During Allergy Injections
Allergy immunotherapy usually involves regular injections in the upper arm. The treatment has two main steps:
1. Buildup Period
- Length: About 3 to 6 months
- Frequency: 1 to 3 shots every week
- Process: The dose of allergen gets a bit higher with each shot
2. Maintenance Period
- Length: 3 to 5 years, sometimes longer
- Frequency: Once each month
Some doctors use an accelerated buildup schedule, which involves more shots per visit. While this speeds up progress, it also raises the risk of stronger reactions.
Important Steps
| Step | What To Do |
|---|---|
| After Each Shot | Wait in the clinic 30 minutes for monitoring. |
| After the Appointment | Avoid hard exercise for a few hours. |
Post-injection observation allows staff to manage any immediate issues, helping ensure a safer, more effective treatment process.
Findings
Most people notice symptom improvement in the first year. The greatest benefits often occur in year two. By year three, severe reactions usually become rare or stop altogether.
- Maintenance Dose: Continued shots help sustain symptom relief.
- Immunity: Some retain benefits even after stopping treatment.
- Ongoing Therapy: Others need long-term shots to control symptoms.
