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What are allergy shots?
Allergy shots are injections given in the fatty part of the arm. The shot contains a measured dose of the substance to which one is allergic - such as dust, pollen, animals, mold, insects, etc. Doses begin very dilute and are gradually increased to stronger doses as immunity to the offending substance is improved. Shots cause minimal discomfort and even small children get injections with minimal complaints.

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How long does it take for allergy shots to be effective?
Every patient is different. But generally, patients begin with injections given 1 -2 times a week until the patient reaches top strength and symptoms are improving. Then the shots are stretched to every 2 weeks, 3 weeks or monthly depending on how well the allergies are controlled. If shots are stopped too soon relapses can occur. Longer lasting protection can take 3 - 5 years to develop. Some people can stop their shots at that time and will continue to do well without shots.

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Why take allergy shots instead of medicine?
There are several reasons to take allergy shots instead of medicine. Many times medicines alone do not control the allergic symptoms. Also, side effects from medicines can make it difficult to function normally and can be more dibiliatating than the original problem. Also, medicines alone do not prevent allergies from getting worse or keep new allergies from developing. Allergy shots (also called Immunotherapy) cut these risks in half. After beginning allergy shots many patients say "they just feel better" and "have more energy".

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Are there any disadvantages to allergy shots?
Yes, there can be disadvantages. For one, allergy shots do not generally help with food allergies. Also, for allergy shots to be effective they have to be given regularly. This can be a problem for people who travel frequently. Since injections contain the substance to which the patient is allergic, reactions to the shot can occur. Most reactions are mild, but fatal reactions have occurred. For this reason, injections must be given at a medical office or facility that can treat severe allergic reactions. Also, most insurance companies do have a co-pay for allergy injections that are less than the co-pay for an office visit, but cost should be considered as well. And sometimes, shots just do not help some people. To give shots a valid chance, they need to be taken for a year before giving up on them.

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I reacted to wheat on my skin test, but don't get sick when I eat wheat. Why?
Reacting to a substance on a skin test does not mean that you will have symptoms. There are many factors involved that can cause a person to react: How allergic you are, how much of the substance you are exposed to, and how many other allergic or non-allergic substances (irritants) you are exposed to at the same time. If your allergy is a food allergy, eating the allergy food with other non-allergy foods may delay or decrease the severity of the reaction, while drinking alcohol with the allergy food may speed up absorption and cause a more severe reaction. It is for these reasons that it is important to work with your doctor to decide the best course of action for your personal situation.

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How do allergy shots work?
Allergy shots (also called immunotherapy) work by raising one's tolerance level to the offending allergen. This is done through exposing the patient to small amounts of the offending substance and building the amount as the immune system adjusts over time. This allows the patient to tolerate more of the allergy-causing susbstance before having a reaction. Shots also increase the body's resistence so you get fewer infections and recover faster when you do get sick. Viral infections tend to trigger more allergy flare-ups than bacterial infections. Allergy shots have not proven very effective for food allergies.

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Why does it seem like allergies are more common today?
Because they are. The incidence of asthma increased 75% from 1980 to 1994 and in children under age 5, asthma increased more than 160%. Over 5,000 people die from asthma each year. This is in spite of new and better medicines frequently coming to market. There is no one answer as to why the increase, but here are a few possibilities:
Genetics - The tendency to be allergic runs in families. The kind of allergy doesn't always follow the same pattern. Once may have allergic nasal problems, another hives, another asthma - all in the same family.
Environment - Air pollution, heavy mold exposure, tobacco smoke - all may increase problems in people genetically programmed for allergy.
Life-style Changes - More fast foods, more foods produced in other countries that use more questionable fertilizing and pesticide programs.
Less physical activity - Most people do not get enough regular physical activity on a regular basis.
Less balanced nutrition - Most people do not get the proper balance of vitamins and minerals in their daily diet.

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Allergy, Asthma and Immunology