Allergies

Allergies are generally your immune systems reaction to a substance that you have ingested, touched, or breathed in. Your immune system identifies these foreign substances as harmful, and then begins the process of warding them off with a series of reactions that we categorize as ‘symptoms.’ These symptoms range from the very mild, all the way to the very severe. Some allergies have even resulted in death. Millions of Americans every year suffer from allergies of different types, the most common of which are seasonal allergies. There are a number of medications available to individuals who are looking to alleviate the symptoms caused by allergy. These medications are available as prescriptions, over the counter medications, and even shots.

Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, are administered to individuals suffering from specific types of allergies in order to build tolerance to the substance. These shots are usually only available to individuals whose daily lives are affected by their allergies for more than 3 months out of each calendar year. Keep in mind that these shots are not meant to cure allergies, but rather simply reduce your sensitivity to the given substance and make your allergy easier to handle.

How Often Are These Allergy Shots Administered?

Allergy shots are given at different intervals depending on how far you are along in your treatment. In the beginning, you may have to go see your doctor as many as three times a week. As your tolerance to the substance builds, you will receive these shots in substantially greater intervals. By the end of your treatment you should only have to go receive your shot about once every six months.

What Happens After The Shot?

Your first few times you visit your doctor, you will be closely monitored for up to an hour after receiving your shot in order to make sure that you do not have any severe allergic reactions. If symptoms are developed, you will more than likely be administered an antihistamine in order to alleviate the symptoms. If the symptoms become too severe, you may make a trip to the emergency room. Very few patients ever experience severe adverse affects from the allergy shots.

The effectiveness of allergy shots is different for each allergy and individual. If allergies are affecting your life enough to where you would consider receiving allergy shots, consult with your doctor about the benefits and draw backs of allergy shots. Starting an allergy shot regiment is a commitment that can take years to complete. Remember that the shots do not cure you of your allergy; they just make you less sensitive to the substance.

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