Allergy injections are one of the most effective treatments for severe allergies. More commonly known as allergy shots or immunotherapy, the treatment helps patients who don’t respond to medication and other therapies. And while the treatment does require a long-term commitment, the health improvements from allergy shots are worth it for many Atlanta patients.
What Are Allergy Shots?
Allergy shots are a series of injections that build a tolerance to allergens. Each injection contains a small amount of the allergen responsible for a person’s allergic reactions. The allergen levels in the injection are enough to stimulate an immune system response, but without causing severe allergic symptoms.
Why is allergen immunotherapy effective for so many people? It desensitizes the immune system to the presence of allergens. Whether you are allergic to pollen, dust, mold or another harmless substance, your immune system mistakenly detects a threat and releases chemicals that cause congestion, breathing issues, skin rashes and other symptoms. The allergy desensitization process gradually gets your body used to these allergens so they will not be seen as threatening.
What Is the Allergy Injection Process?
Allergy shots are administered in two phases. The buildup phase usually lasts for around six months and takes place at your allergist’s office. Patients receive allergy injections from one to three times per week, always with close monitoring for any signs of allergic reactions.
After building tolerance to the allergy shots, you can begin the maintenance phase. This phase requires fewer injections – around one or two per month. However, the maintenance phase will last approximately three to five years. Maintaining regular allergy shots ensures a person does not become sensitized to the allergen again, so it’s important to keep up with scheduled injections.
Are There Any Risks to Allergy Shots?
Any side effects from allergy shots are often only minimal. An individual may get minor redness or swelling at the injection point. In addition, a runny nose, sneezing or a skin rash are not uncommon, but they pass quickly. To ensure there are no severe side effects, patients stay at their allergist’s office for around 30 minutes after the injection.
What Allergies Can Immunotherapy Treat?
Immunotherapy is useful for treating many types of allergies. Seasonal allergies like hay fever caused by tree, grass or weed pollen are commonly treated with allergy shots. Even sensitivity to dust, mold, pet dander and other allergens found in the home can be controlled with immunotherapy. If you have allergic asthma, the treatment may reduce breathing issues and other common symptoms. And finally, insect stings are a leading cause of anaphylaxis, but allergy shots can provide long-term protection against a severe reaction.
Professional Allergy Injection Treatment in the Atlanta Area
Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center offers proven treatments for the most common allergies. To discuss allergy injections and other services, visit an allergy center in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth or Johns Creek. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.