“Immunotherapy” means allergy shots. Allergy shots are a very effective way to treat allergies because the shot is made up of what you are allergic to.
How Do Allergy Shots Work?
The injections educate the immune system so that it can build up a tolerance toward different allergens. In this way, you are able to do what you want to do without suffering from allergies. The injections actually work like a vaccine, allowing you to tolerate exposure to the allergen.
Allergy shots are given in differing schedules depending on each patient. A typical allergy shot schedule is for an individual to receive one or two injections weekly for six months to one year, then the frequency of the injections are spread out to every six weeks with time.
The schedule goes from weekly to every other week, to every third week, fourth week, fifth week then every sixth week an injection is given. After five years, 90% of patients are free from their allergies for life. By receiving the injections for five years, the protective benefits can last a patient’s lifetime.
Who is a likely candidate?
Allergy injections are for patients who have any of the following problems:
- Suffer from allergies
- Cannot avoid exposure to the allergens
- Are run down and fatigued due to allergies
- Need medications to control their allergies
- Medications are not effective in controlling their allergies
- Want to reduce the use of medications
- Have problems with asthma when exposed to their allergens
- Suffer from chronic sinus infections or ear infections influenced by allergies
After you have been skin tested the allergist will evaluate whether or not you are a candidate for the injections. If you are a candidate to receive allergy injections, the allergist will formulate and mix the serum containing the allergens you are allergic to. Our office has a flexible schedule for receiving allergy injections.
Possible Side Effects of Allergy Shots
Allergy shots need to be given in a doctor’s office or in a medical setting as there could be side effects.
A systemic reaction is a possible reaction to the injection. The patient may develop hives, itchy eyes, sneezing, possibly some throat swelling and a drop in blood pressure. These reactions can be serious and for that reason the patient must receive the injection in a medical office and must wait for twenty minutes afterward to assure there is no reaction.
If a reaction does occur the patient will most likely receive epinephrine, Benadryl, steroids and breathing treatments as needed. Ask your allergist if you are a candidate for allergy injections. He or she can review the benefits and discuss the shot schedule with you.
Allergy Shots in Overland Park, KS
It is easy to receive injections in our Kansas-based office. Here is the general process:
- You will check in with our receptionist, your name will be called, the nurse will ask you a few quick questions
- You will receive your injection
- You will need to wait 20 minutes in our waiting room, then come back for the nurse to check your arms. You may leave after your arm has been checked.
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