Allergy injections (immunotherapy) involve a type of therapy in which minor doses of chemicals to which a person is allergic (allergens), are given under the skin. Over time, the body may get less sensitive to the allergens, which means a person may have fewer signs and symptoms.
Allergy injections are administered after elaborate skin testing is done for an allergic reaction. During initial therapy, allergy injections are administered once or twice a week. At first, a lesser amount of allergens is given.
The amount of allergen given is increased slightly each time, unless you have an intense allergic reaction. After four to six months of weekly injections, the dosage can contain a high level of allergen. This is referred to as the maintenance dosage.
When reaching proper maintenance levels, a person receives the same dosage in syringes every two to four weeks for another four to six months. When getting allergy injections, you should visit a physician to be monitored every six to twelve months.
Following three to five years of undergoing allergy shots, you and the physician may need to make the decision to discontinue allergy immunotherapy or to keep going.
Several children who are assisted by allergy injections cease using them after three to five years. However, these younger patients oftentimes benefit from getting the injections.
What to Expect from Allergy Injections and Immunotherapy
A person gets allergy injections in the doctor's office. They will remain in the office for a short period after receiving an allergy injection to be monitored for possibly dangerous reactions (anaphylaxis) to the injected allergens.
Inflammation and warmth at the injection locations are more common and disappear after a short time.
Purpose of Allergy Injections and Immunotherapy
Allergy injections may be practiced to help deal with bronchial asthma if it is clear that someone has asthma signs and symptoms while introduced to an inevitable allergen (allergic asthma attack). Symptoms take place all year long or during a significant part of the year.
It is hard to relieve symptoms with drugs alone since prescription drugs have not prevented symptoms, you have required numerous medications, or you don't want to use the medication indefinitely.
Risks Associated with Immunotherapy for Asthma
Allergy injections are non-hazardous whenever the shots are administered properly. Inflammation and warmth at the shot region are usual. Generally, systemic (body) responses like hives, asthma signs and symptoms, and decreased blood pressure are not common.
However, individuals with asthma could be at increased risk for a serious reaction (anaphylaxis) to the injections and, potentially, death. A person should have the asthma well contained before getting allergy shots.
Due to the possibility of anaphylaxis, the injections are given in a doctor's clinic where emergency care can be administered when necessary. The majority of reactions to allergy injections happen twenty to thirty minutes following the injection. You should remain at your doctor's clinic for a minimum of this amount of time.
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References:
Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters. (2003). "Allergen immunotherapy: A practice parameter." Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. (90); 1, Supplement 1: S1–S40.
National Institutes of Health. (1997). "Expert Panel Report 2: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma." Clinical Practice Guidelines (NIH Publication 97-4051). Bethesda, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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