Allergy shots, also referred to as allergy injections or immunotherapy, are in essence, a series of injections to control allergy symptoms. Allergy shots are not a medication. Allergy shots desensitize allergy patients to their specific allergens and are the only way to “turn off” the immune system’s reactions to allergies. Allergy patients frequently choose to get rid of their allergies and become medication “free.” During immunotherapy, the patient will gradually develop a stronger tolerance to their allergens. With allergy shots, your allergy symptoms should be significantly minimized or even eliminated.

WHO should consider receiving allergy shots?

You should consider allergy shots if complete avoidance of your allergens is impossible or if you:

• Have moderate to severe allergies
• Have frequent respiratory tract infections
• Do not respond to allergy medications
• Would prefer to avoid a lifetime of allergy medication use
• Are willing to commit to a regularly scheduled treatment plan
• Have chronic sinusitis or asthma due to allergies

HOW do allergy shots work?

Allergy shots contain traces of your specific allergens—the very things that trigger an allergic reaction from you immune system. By gradually increasing the dose of your allergen, your body develops a tolerance to that particular allergen. In essence, allergy shots turn off an inappropriate immune response, your allergic reaction to a plant, tree, pet or mold, while still allowing your immune system to respond normally to infectious agents, especially viruses and bacteria.

Allergy shots occur in two phases:

1. Build-up phase: involves a routine of injections with increasing amounts of allergens. The frequency of injections generally ranges from on to three times a week, with an average duration of four to eight months.

2. Maintenance phase: begins when the effective therapeutic dose is achieved. Once this maintenance does is reached, the time between treatments will increase, ranging from every one to four weeks.

You may begin to see the benefits of allergy shots during the build-up phase, but it may take as long as 12 months on the maintenance dose to see significant results. On average maintenance therapy is continued for 3-5 years.

WHAT is my treatment commitment?

You must be willing to commit to a regular schedule of allergy shot treatments, with the main commitment period occurring the first 18 months. Although some people may consider this an inconvenience, a three to five year commitment to allergy shots is minimal compared to a lifetime of taking over the counter drugs or prescription medications.

Also you must receive your allergy shots at a healthcare facility with proper staff and equipment to treat any potential adverse reactions. It is recommended that you remain in the office 20 to 30 minutes after receiving your allergy injections to ensure that you do not experience any adverse reactions.

WILL I experience any negative reactions to the allergy shots?

Two types of adverse reactions can occur with allergy shots: local and/or systemic.

1. Local reactions are more common and appear as redness and swelling at the injection site. They can occur immediately or several hours after treatment and are not serious. Future local reactions can be prevented by adjusting the dose of our allergy shot or taking antihistamines the day of the shot.

2. Systemic: Systemic reactions are uncommon and are usually mild. They require immediate treatment, but usually respond quickly to medications.

Rarely a serious systemic reaction called anaphylaxis can develop. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include swelling in the throat, wheezing or a sensation of tightness in the chest, nausea or dizziness. The majority of adverse reactions develop within 20 minutes after the injection, which is why you should commit to remaining in the office, should such a reaction occur.

CAN children receive allergy shots?

Allergy shots can be started at any age. Recent studies suggest that allergy shots may prevent development of new allergies in children and also may prevent the development of childhood asthma.

About Dr. Lipson:

Dr. Lipson opened his first clinic in Redwood City, which served the area for 10 years, before moving to San Carlos. After 7 years in San Carlos, Dr. Lipson felt it time to return to Redwood City, where he built the current, new facility for Allergy and Asthma Consultants.

CALL US TODAY: 650-241-3490