What to Expect From Allergy Shot Treatments

More than 50 million Americans have allergies, which occur when your immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance, such as pet hair or pollen, as a threat. This triggers the production of antibodies, which can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including watery eyes, itchy skin, and hives. 

Mild allergies often improve with over-the-counter (OTC) treatment. If you have severe symptoms, allergy shots can help reduce your immune system’s sensitivity to allergens and ease your symptoms over time.

At Allergy Asthma & Sinus Center in Hillsborough and Annandale, New Jersey, allergy, asthma, and immunology specialist Edwin P. Schulhafer, MD, prescribes allergy shots to his patients five years and older. Keep reading to learn all about allergy shots, including how they work and what to expect during treatment.

What are allergy shots?

Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, are injections you receive over an extended period, typically months or years. They contain small amounts of allergens, so your immune system slowly becomes desensitized. This desensitization process changes how your body reacts to allergens, reducing allergic reactions and related symptoms.

Over time, the amount of allergens in the shots increases. This helps your immune system become less reactive, so your allergic response diminishes and, in some cases, may disappear altogether. 

Understanding the allergens allergy shots can treat

Allergy shots are quite effective, but they can only be used for certain allergens, including:

Airborne allergens

These allergens include pet hair, mold, and dust mites, as well as pollen from trees, grasses, and plants.

Stinging insects

These allergens are produced by hornets, bees, wasps, and yellow jackets.

Allergy shots aren’t effective if you have food, medication, or latex allergies. So, if this is you, Dr. Schulhafer can recommend an alternative treatment.

What to expect during allergy shot treatment

Allergy shot treatment is a lengthy process that takes several years to complete. It’s broken down into two phases:

1. The buildup phase

After we determine your specific allergies with allergy testing, we administer a series of shots 1-3 times a week for 6-10 months. The amount of allergens in these shots is low, so your immune system can start building a tolerance. The amount increases as you progress through treatment.

2. The maintenance phase

After the buildup phase finishes, you enter the maintenance phase. At this stage, you receive one allergy shot per month for 3-5 years. If you have severe allergies, we may extend treatment beyond five years to maintain symptom relief. 

Allergy shots are administered like vaccines. We sterilize an area of skin on your upper arm or, if you prefer, your thigh or hip. After you receive an allergy shot, you must wait at least 30 minutes before leaving our office so we can monitor you for allergic reactions. Most people don’t react, but if you do, we provide immediate treatment to ensure your safety.

Once you leave our office, avoid exercise and bathing for at least two hours. These activities can cause the allergens to spread through your body faster, so it’s important to wait.

Schedule an allergy shot consultation today

Airborne and insect allergies can make your life miserable, but you don’t have to suffer. Allergy shots can help desensitize your immune system, easing symptoms and improving your quality of life. 

Contact the Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Center to get started. Call the nearest office or book an appointment online today.