ALLERGY SHOTS | Pros and Cons | Side Effects | Risk Factor

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INTRODUCTION

Allergy shots are regular injections usually given over a period of about three to five years; To prevent or reduce allergy attacks. Every allergic shot contains a limited quantity of the particular substance or substances that trigger your allergic reaction.

In each of your allergy shots, Your doctor increases the dose of the allergen over time. This helps your body get used to the allergen (desensitization). Your immune system develops a resistance to the allergen, causing your allergy symptoms to reduce over time.

What leads you to an Allergy Shot

I'm allergic to cats, and it's been a struggle to manage my allergies. I've tried every kind of pill, every kind of ointment, and every kind of medication my doctor has prescribed. But nothing has worked as well as allergy shots. The first time I got an allergy shot was in high school, right before prom. I spent hours looking for the perfect dress, trying on tons of different options until finally deciding on one that was just a little too short—and then I ended up with more than an hour-long ride home from the mall in the backseat of my mom's car. But that night at prom? It was amazing! The air cleared up so fast and made me feel so alive. And then after prom? Well…I had no allergies at all! Ever since then, I've been getting allergy shots every year for about two or three weeks before prom—and every time it's totally worth it.

Allergy shots may be a good decision if you can't control your allergic reaction with other treatments. Following are the reasons which lead you to allergy shots:

• When medication fails to control symptoms well.
• When you fail to avoid things that cause allergic reactions in your body.
• When your medications are not effective enough for your allergies.
• When You want to decrease your drawn-out utilization of allergy drugs.

How frequently do you get allergy shots?

First, you'll visit your doctor once or twice a week for several months. These shots are usually injected into the upper arm. 

To be more effective, allergy shots are given on a schedule that involves two phases: 

The Buildup Phase

It generally takes three to six months. Typically shots are given one to three times a week.

The dose will be gradually increased until you reach the maintenance dose.

The Maintenance Phase

It usually lasts for three to five years or more. You will need maintenance shots once a month.

Are Allergy Shots Effective?

Allergy shots are more than 90% effective when given properly. It is proven clinically that it reduces the symptoms and medication use, prevents new allergies and asthma in children, and promotes lasting relief of allergy symptoms even after treatment is stopped.

Allergy shots can be used to control symptoms triggered by:

Seasonal allergies:

 

If you have symptoms of seasonal allergic asthma or hay fever, you may be adversely affected by dust from trees, grasses, or weeds.

Indoor allergens:

If you have year-round symptoms, you may be sensitive to indoor allergens, such as dust mites, cockroaches, mold, or dander from pets such as cats or dogs.

Insect stings:

Allergic reactions to insect stings can be triggered by bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets.

Allergy shots aren't available for food allergies or chronic hives (urticaria).

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Risk Factor

Most people do not have an allergic reaction after allergy shots, but some suffer from it, because of the presence of allergens in the allergy shots, so reactions are possible and include;

Local reactions

It includes swelling, redness, and irritation at the site of the injection.

Systemic reactions

They are more uncommon, but possibly more serious. You might develop sneezing, nasal congestion, or hives.  More-extreme responses might include throat swelling, wheezing, or chest congestion.

Anaphylaxis 

Anaphylaxis is a serious life-threatening reaction to a trigger such as an allergy, but it is rare in allergy shots. It causes low blood pressure and trouble breathing. Anaphylaxis often begins within 30 minutes of the injection, but sometimes later.

If you get your allergy shots on schedule without missing any doses, the chances of a severe reaction are less.

Before getting your allergy shots, it's best to take an antihistamine to reduce the risk of a reaction, especially a local response. Ask your doctor if this is recommended for you.

The possibility of a severe reaction is terrifying, but you are not all alone.

After each shot, you will be observed for 30 minutes in the doctor's clinic, where the most serious reactions usually occur.

If you experience a severe reaction after leaving the clinic, return immediately to the doctor's clinic or the nearest emergency room.

Pros Of Allergy Shots 

• High probability of success
• Less requirement for medication
• It helps when the medicine is not effective
• Unlike the test, you can take the medication during the duration of the shots.
• It reduces symptoms more effectively.

Cons Of Allergy Shots

• Takes time to develop the dose up
• People who test positive usually do better if they follow advice to reduce the risk of allergic reactions to factors that test positive.
• Local reactions are common in allergy shots, such as itching, redness, and swelling at the injection site.

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Side Effects

Usually, the only side effects that people experience are swelling or redness at the injection site.

These symptoms may appear soon after getting allergy shots. Or it can be seen after a few hours.

In some cases, people may suffer from other allergy symptoms such as:

• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Hives
• Rashes

How much does an allergy shot cost?

Health insurance usually covers allergy shots. You may have to pay a copay for each visit. Copays are usually nominal fees.

If you don't have health insurance, have a high deductible, or if your plan doesn't cover allergy shots, you could end up spending thousands of dollars a year.

Talk to your doctor about payment options and costs, before starting any treatment. Keep in mind that allergy shots are a long-term process, so plan accordingly if you're paying out of pocket.

Result

Allergy symptoms won't stop overnight. Symptoms usually subside during the first year of treatment but the most significant improvement is seen during the second year of treatment. By the third year,  most people are desensitized to the allergens in the shots and never again have a critical hypersensitive response to the substances.