Allergy Shots- What are They and When to Get Them

Allergy shots are “for people who have serious allergy symptoms that are not helped by changes to their environment and/or medicines. Some studies have shown that allergy shots may stop asthma from developing in children with nasal allergies (Allergy Shots – What You Need to Know | Yale Health, n.d.).” Allergy shots are also known as allergen immunotherapy and are a long term treatment for patients with allergic runny or stuffy nose, allergic asthma, or life threatening reactions to insect stings.

Children over the age of five and adults can receive allergy shots. These shots decrease a person’s sensitivity to allergens, or substances that can cause an allergic reaction. When considering allergen immunotherapy for an adult, it is best practice to discuss medical conditions such as cardiac disease that may contribute to any sort of reactions to the shot.

Similar to a vaccine, “ Each allergy shot contains a tiny amount of the specific substance or substances that trigger your allergic reactions (Allergy Shots - Mayo Clinic, n.d.).” As time passes, your doctor or allergists/immunologist will increase your dosage of allergens in each shot. This is to encourage your body to become desensitized, or used to the allergens, causing your allergy symptoms to decrease over time.

Allergy shots can be used to help gain control of seasonal allergies including seasonal allergic asthma, hay fever symptoms, or pollen allergies. It can also treat indoor allergens such as dust mites, cockroaches, mold or pet dander as well as insect stings triggered by bees, wasps, hornets or yellow jackets.

Of course, as with all treatments, some risks are associated with getting allergy shots. A typical reaction is swelling and redness at the injection site. In some cases, symptoms can include increased allergy symptoms such as excess sneezing, nasal congestion or hives. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, serious reactions to allergen immunotherapy are rare. When or if they do occur, seek immediate medical attention. Swelling of the throat, wheezing, tightness in the chest, nausea or dizziness are all signs of a serious reaction. This is why it is recommended that you wait in your doctor’s office for a minimum of 30 minutes after receiving your shots.

Close to where you live or work, the Campbell County Medical Group (CCMG) Wright Clinic & Occupational Health has a friendly and knowledgeable staff, ready to assist with your healthcare needs for the whole family. To find out if allergen immunotherapy might be the best treatment for your allergies, call and book your appointment at 307-464-0413.

References

Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy) | AAAAI. (2021). Aaaai.org. https://www.aaaai.org/Tools-for-the-Public/Conditions-Library/Allergies/Allergy-Shots-(immunotherapy)

Allergy shots - Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Www.mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/allergy-shots/about/pac-20392876#:~:text=Allergy%20shots%20are%20regular%20injections

Allergy Shots – What You Need to Know | Yale Health. (n.d.). Yalehealth.yale.edu. https://yalehealth.yale.edu/more/allergy-shots-what-you-need-know