Seasonal allergies can be a frustrating and persistent issue for many people, often causing uncomfortable symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and itching. As one of the most effective solutions to this problem, allergy shots or immunotherapy provide long-lasting relief by desensitizing your immune system to allergens in the environment.
This blog post will explore the benefits of seasonal allergy shots, how they work and what you can expect during treatment. Additionally, we'll discuss other ways available to manage your seasonal allergies more effectively.
Seasonal allergies, often referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are triggered by allergens present in the environment at specific times of the year. The most common cause of these allergies is pollen from grasses, trees, and weeds.
Pollen can travel through the air and enter our respiratory systems, leading to an immune response in individuals who have sensitivities to these particles.
Symptoms of seasonal allergies typically include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, throat irritation, and coughing. These symptoms occur due to our bodies releasing histamines in response to the allergens entering our system.
Histamines are chemicals that cause inflammation as part of the body’s attempt to fight off foreign substances. In some cases of severe seasonal allergies or when left untreated for an extended period of time - other complications such as sinusitis or allergic asthma may develop.
Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, provide relief for allergic reactions caused by environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. The treatment works by gradually increasing the amount of allergen injected into the body to desensitize it and reduce the immune system's response to the allergen over time.
This process can lead to long-term relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, itching, and even allergic asthma.
There are two main types of allergy shots available for managing seasonal allergies:
Both types of allergy shots work by desensitizing the immune system to specific allergens over time. They can provide long-term relief from seasonal allergy symptoms and reduce the need for medications such as antihistamines and nasal sprays. It's important to consult with an allergist or immunologist to determine which type of allergy shots would be most effective based on your specific allergies and medical history.
Seasonal allergy shots offer long-term relief from allergy symptoms, reduce the need for medications, and improve overall quality of life by managing allergies for future seasons.
One significant benefit of seasonal allergy shots is reduced dependence on medication. Many individuals with allergies rely on over-the-counter or prescription medications to manage their symptoms, often experiencing side effects or limited relief.
This reduction in medication use not only saves money but also improves overall quality of life. With fewer medications to worry about, individuals can enjoy outdoor activities without fear of allergies flaring up or missing work or school due to severe symptoms.
During treatment, patients will receive regular allergy shots over several years to desensitize their immune system. After treatment, many individuals experience long-term relief from seasonal allergy symptoms and a reduced need for medications.
Allergy shots are typically given in a "build-up phase" and a "maintenance phase." During the build-up phase, the patient receives weekly injections of allergens until the target dose is reached. The maintenance phase follows, and usually involves fewer shots over a more extended period. Here's what to expect regarding the number and frequency of allergy shots:
Overall, it's essential to be consistent with your shot schedule to achieve optimal results. If you miss too many injections, you could risk returning to square one and having to start all over again. Adhering to your doctor's prescribed number of shots and visit frequency will ensure that your treatment progresses smoothly while minimizing any side effects.
Allergy shots are not a quick fix to seasonal allergies but rather a long-term solution that requires commitment and patience. Typically, the duration of treatment ranges from 3 to 5 years, with the frequency of shots decreasing over time once the desired level of immunization is achieved.
During the first phase of treatment, called the buildup phase, patients may have to receive shots one or two times a week for several months until they reach their optimal dose.
After this stage, allergists will usually decrease injection frequency during what's called the maintenance phase to once every few weeks or even months after about six months of weekly injections.
It's essential to note that each patient's exact schedule and dosage will depend on their specific allergy triggers and severity level as well as how quickly they respond to treatment.
As with any medical treatment, there are potential risks and side effects associated with allergy shots. The most common side effect is local reactions at the injection site, such as redness, swelling, itching, or pain.
Less commonly, systemic reactions can occur. These may include symptoms such as hives, wheezing, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and rapid heartbeat.
Thankfully, the risk of serious systemic reactions is low - less than 1% of all allergy shots administered result in anaphylactic shock.
Overall though, while there are some possible complications from allergy shots - they tend to be relatively minor compared to the relief they provide from allergy symptoms over time.
Seasonal allergies can be a real pain for allergy sufferers, but allergy immunotherapy can make a world of a difference. By helping the immune system build up a tolerance to allergens over time, allergy immunotherapy effectively reduces or even eliminates allergy symptoms altogether.
Get long-term relief from seasonal allergies with the help of Curex. We are an allergy company made by allergy sufferers that provides prescription sublingual allergy immunotherapy treatments that are all prescribed based on an allergy test. We specialize in long-term treatments for allergies, asthma, sinusitis, and eczema. Get tested now!
