Shots For Allergies

Immunotherapy for allergy is a century-old therapy, which consists of a series of injections containing a weak concentration of the same allergens the patient is allergic to.  Depending on the patient’s allergic condition, these shots are given every week or every two weeks.  For effective desensitization, the concentration is increased over time.  The therapy can last for three to five years depending on the patient’s response.  These shots are a better alternative to drug medications in that they are more of a holistic natural treatment for allergies.

These injections are mainly given for hay fever, insect sting as well as dog and cat allergies.  An effective allergy shot schedule  consists of two phases:

Build Up Phase: The allergen concentration is gradually increased every time the shot is given over a period of six to seven months.  At the end of the seven months, the second phase begins.

Maintenance Phase: At this phase, depending on the individual reaction, the injections are gradually given less frequently (every two weeks, every three weeks, monthly).  Allergists recommend a maintenance phase of three to five years with the shots generally given every month until the maximum dose is reached.  After the injection is given, the patient has to stay in the medical office for 20 to 30 minutes, just in case of an adverse reaction.

Editor’s Note:  It is believed there is no definite cure for allergies since their cause is mostly due to genetics, however many experts believe immunotherapy shots are the closest cures for hay fever  and asthma caused by dust mites, pollen and bee stings.  Nevertheless, there are some drawbacks, such as inconvenience and side effects or reactions to the injections.  It is reported that many people can’t finish the recommended three to five year therapy and drop off before completion.

Sublingual Allergy Immunotherapy

Comparable to shot therapy, sublingual immunotherapy consists of small dose of possible allergens given orally instead of as shots.  Especifically, these are drops that are administered under the tongue and are swallowed after one minute.  This therapy works just like the allergy shots, but is more convenient and less time consuming, although studies conclude the allergy injections are slightly more effective.

As it is the case with immunotherapy shots, allergy drops do not work for everyone and the treatment is also three to five years long depending on the individual.  Sublingual drops are not covered by insurance, on the other hand, you don’t have to spend time and money driving to your doctor’s office and taking time off from work since the drops are safe enough to be administered  at home by the patient.

In terms of compliance, the drops are ahead of the shots, since 90% of patients complete the drop therapy as oppose to only 50% completion rate for the injection immunotherapy.

If you are interested in desensitization for allergies through sublingual or injection immunotherapy, contact your health care professional for a referral to a board certified allergist, preferably one who specializes in both types of therapies, so you can be tested to find out if either therapy is appropriate for you.

 


 

 

 

Filed under: Allergy Natural Relief

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!