What is Allergen Immunotherapy?
Allergen immunotherapy involves exposing a person to small amounts of allergens to help their body build immunity to them. The treatment’s goal is to reduce the severity of allergy symptoms or entirely eliminate them. Allergy shots contain a small amount of an allergen, such as dust mites, animal dander, or pollen. Typically, a healthcare professional administers a series of allergy shots over a three-to-five year period, depending on the individual's reactions and medical history.
Benefits of Allergen Immunotherapy
Allergy shots are beneficial in several ways, including:
1. Reduced Need for Medication
Allergen immunotherapy helps reduce the need for medication, including antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops. By building immunity to interfering allergens, allergy symptoms can significantly decrease or even disappear altogether.
2. Long-Term Relief
Unlike over-the-counter medication, allergy shots provide long-lasting relief from allergies. After completing a course of allergy shots, many people find that they no longer require regular medication or treatment for their allergies.
3. Reduced Risk of Developing Asthma
Studies have shown that allergen immunotherapy reduces the risk of developing asthma in children and adults. Allergy shots can also help prevent asthma symptoms in people with allergic rhinitis.
4. Cost-Effective
While the cost of allergy shots may initially appear high, in the long term, it's more cost-effective than purchasing medication regularly. Over time, allergy shots can decrease the need for medication and reduce medical expenses.
The Allergen Immunotherapy Process
Allergen immunotherapy is available to most people who suffer from allergies and is suitable for individuals of all ages. If you're considering getting allergy shots, here is what to expect:
1. Consultation with an Allergist or Immunologist
Before the treatment, you will have a consultation with an allergist or immunologist. They will conduct a thorough examination of your symptoms and medical history. The doctor will also conduct skin or blood tests to determine what allergens you are allergic to and how severe your allergy is.
2. Building an Allergy Shot Treatment Plan
After the examinations have been completed, your doctor will create an allergy shot treatment plan specific to your needs. The initial dose of the allergen is typically administered in the hospital or clinic to monitor for adverse reactions. The healthcare professional will then provide you with a schedule that outlines when the next shots should be administered.
3. Start Receiving Allergy Shots
Once the treatment plan is agreed upon, you can start receiving allergy shots. A nurse or healthcare professional will administer them by injecting the allergen under the skin, usually in your arm. The dose will begin very low and gradually increase.
The frequency and dosage of allergy shots mainly depend on the severity of your allergy. Initially, allergy shots are administered once or twice a week for several months. The frequency may then be decreased to every two weeks, then every four weeks until the full course of treatment is completed.
4. Follow-Up Appointments
Follow-up appointments with the doctor or healthcare professional are critical during the allergy shot treatment process. These appointments help monitor your progress and how your body is responding to the allergens. The healthcare professional may adjust the dosage or frequency of shots to ensure you get the best outcomes possible.
5. Completion of Allergy Shot Treatment
Typically, the full course of allergen immunotherapy takes three to five years to complete. The completion of a treatment course may vary, based on the severity of the allergy and the individual's response to the shots. Once completed, the patient may no longer need allergy medications, and their symptoms will have significantly reduced, if not disappeared completely.
Possible Side Effects of Allergen Immunotherapy
Allergy shots are typically safe, and serious side effects are rare. Mild side effects, such as redness or swelling at the injection site, are common and usually subside within a few hours. Some individuals may experience symptoms such as a runny nose, itching, or fatigue after an allergy shot, which can be treated with medication.
In rare cases, allergy shots can cause a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency, and it requires immediate treatment with epinephrine.
Conclusion
Allergen immunotherapy is an effective and long-term solution to relieve the symptoms of allergies. With the help of a healthcare professional, individuals can build immunity to allergens and enjoy an allergy-free life ultimately. While allergy shots require a substantial time commitment and frequent visits to the doctor, the benefits are well worth it in the end. Allergy shots are safe, effective, and can significantly improve a person's quality of life.
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