Allergy > Treating Allergy > How Do Allergy Shots Work

How Do Allergy Shots Work?

Knowing the symptoms of a certain allergy can help you in using the appropriate treatment for each reaction that occurs.  Treatments like the use of natural and over-the-counter antihistamines and the use of steroid nasal sprays to minimize or lessen symptoms are only some of the remedies available.  Immunotherapy or the use of allergy shots is an alternative form of management against allergies.

To know how allergy shots work, you must first be aware how an allergic reaction happens.  When your body is exposed to an antigen, which is considered an invader, your immune system then goes into overdrive in the form of allergic reactions.  Consequently, your white blood cells will then produce an antibody to an antigen called immunoglobulin E or IgE where a sensitization process takes place.  The antibody and antigen contact releases certain chemicals (i.e histamines) called mediators into affected tissues.  The symptoms of allergic reactions are then found on different organs and on various cells in the body.

Immunotherapy or the use of allergy shots is useful in lessening certain reactions to allergens.  The following are the uses and advantages of utilizing allergy shots:

1. Useful in treating allergic rhinitis
2. Allergy shots are the only treatment used to address the natural causes of allergy
3. Allergy shots do not exactly treat the symptoms present, but it does address the body’s immune system which is the source of most if not all allergic reactions.

Allergy shots work in the process called desensitization against the body’s immune response to certain antigens.  White blood cells can no longer react so much to the antigen and there is also a curbing of immunoglobulin E or IgE antibody production to this specific kind of antigen.  With the use of allergy shots, there is minimal reaction to the nasal mucosal surfaces, eyes and on the bronchial airways.

It is certainly best to talk first to a certified allergist if allergy shots are best for you as a treatment for your allergies.  The following are indications of the utilization of allergy shots.

1. Allergy shots are utilized and used only if you have severe symptoms that impede your activities of daily living.
2. Allergy shots are used as a form of alternative for people who cannot tolerate the numerous side effects of certain allergy medications.
3. Allergy shots are given to children over five years and mostly to adults as well.
4. Allergy shots are prohibited to people with heart ailments and asthma.  These allergy shots are also not given to those already taking MAOIs and beta blockers.

Before allergists recommend the use of allergy shots they first do an initial full evaluation on you.  Allergists often conduct a brief but thorough medical history and examination followed by conducting a complete allergy test to determine the specific type or kind of allergens, and also to decide on the appropriate allergy shots that will be used to treat your allergy.

The final factor for allergy shots to work is enough patience exercised on your part.  Usually improvements take about 6 to 12 months to manifest, which is after continued use of the said allergy shots.  Maintenance is done over a 3 to 5 year period, but do not in any way try to speed up your schedule as this will disrupt the process of desensitization.  Booster shots are generally given to gradually battle off the allergens.  Above all, commitment is really the key for the success of allergy shots.

There are side effects present in allergy shots as well, but they are minimal in nature.  Side effects do occur usually after the introduction of the injection on the skin.  Usually, a slight swelling and redness over the injection site are often present.