Allergies can be a daily struggle for many people, impacting their quality of life and overall well-being. From seasonal allergies like pollen to year-round irritants like dust mites and pet dander, the list of potential allergens is extensive. While over-the-counter medications can help manage symptoms temporarily, they often come with side effects and fail to address the root cause. That’s where allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, come into play. In this blog post, we’ll explore what allergy shots are, how they work, and the benefits they offer.

What Are Allergy Shots?Allergy shots

Allergy shots, or allergen immunotherapy, are a long-term treatment option for individuals who suffer from allergies. They involve injecting a small amount of allergen extracts into the patient’s body over time. The goal is to help the immune system build up a tolerance to these allergens gradually. By doing so, the body becomes less reactive, and the allergic response diminishes over time.

How Do They Work?

The process of allergy shots can be broken down into a few key steps:

  • Allergy Testing: Before starting immunotherapy, your allergist will conduct tests to identify the specific allergens triggering your symptoms. Common allergens include pollen, mold spores, dust mites and pet dander.
  • Customized Treatment Plan: Based on the results of your allergy tests, your allergist will create a customized treatment plan. This plan will outline the allergens to target, the dosage and the injection schedule.
  • Buildup Phase: During the initial phase of treatment, you’ll receive regular injections, typically one to two times a week. The dosage starts low and gradually increases to help your immune system adapt to the allergens.
  • Maintenance Phase: Once a therapeutic dose is reached, you’ll move into the maintenance phase. In this phase, injections are spaced out to every 2-4 weeks, and you’ll continue this schedule for several years.
  • Symptom Relief: Over time, as your immune system becomes desensitized to the allergens, you’ll likely experience a reduction in allergy symptoms. Some people even find their allergies resolve completely.

Benefits

Allergy shots offer several advantages for individuals suffering from allergies:

  • Long-Term Relief: Unlike many over-the-counter medications that provide temporary relief, allergy shots can offer long-lasting benefits, potentially even a permanent solution.
  • Reduced Medication Dependency: As your allergies improve, you may find that you need fewer medications to manage your symptoms, leading to fewer side effects and cost savings.
  • Improved Quality of Life: Allergies can significantly impact your day-to-day life, from work productivity to sleep quality. Allergy shots can help you regain control and enjoy a better quality of life.
  • Prevent Allergic Asthma: For individuals with allergic rhinitis (hay fever), untreated allergies can sometimes progress to allergic asthma. Allergy shots can help prevent this progression.

Is Allergy Immunotherapy Right for You?

Allergy shots are not suitable for everyone, and the decision to pursue this treatment should be made in consultation with an allergist. Typically, they are recommended for individuals who:

  • Have moderate to severe allergic reactions.
  • Do not find relief from over-the-counter medications.
  • Want a long-term solution to their allergies.
  • Are willing to commit to a treatment plan that spans several years.

It’s important to note that they require time and patience. The benefits may not be immediate, and it can take several months to see significant improvement.

We Offer Allergy Shots at Pulmonary Associates of Richmond

If you suffer from allergies that disrupt your daily activities, request an appointment at Pulmonary Associates of Richmond to determine if allergy shots are the right path to a healthier, allergy-free future.