Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Updated visitor guidelines. Get the facts. Your options Don't get allergy shots. Instead, keep taking medicine to control your symptoms, and try to get rid of or avoid the allergen. Get allergy shots along with taking medicine to control your symptoms. Key points to remember There is no cure for allergic rhinitis or allergic asthma.
But allergy shots may provide long-term relief of symptoms. Allergy shots will probably help you. They are effective for most people and can reduce symptoms if you are allergic to pollens, animal dander, dust mites, mold, or cockroaches.
You cannot be sure how long the shots will be effective after you stop getting them. For allergies to some grasses, shots have been effective for 3 or 4 years. Children may use allergy shots if they have persistent asthma made worse by allergens. Children younger than 2 should not have allergy shots. Children ages 3 to 4 may find it hard to have to get many shots over a long period of time. Talk with your doctor.
Your child's asthma needs to be well controlled before he or she gets allergy shots. What are allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma? What are the risks of allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma? What are allergy shots? Allergy shots are available for allergies to: Pollen ragweed, grasses, trees. Dust mites and cockroaches. Animal dander dog and cat.
Mold fungus. Why might your doctor recommend allergy shots? You have allergic rhinitis and you have tried medicine and have avoided allergens, but you still have severe symptoms. You have allergic rhinitis and you have tried medicine, but the side effects bother you.
You have allergic asthma, your symptoms last most of the year, and you don't get relief if you take medicines or avoid allergens. Why might your doctor NOT recommend allergy shots? You have another health problem, such as coronary artery disease CAD , that puts you at increased risk for a severe reaction to the shots. Your child with allergies is younger than 5. You are pregnant. Pregnant women who are already getting allergy shots may keep getting them.
But doctors don't recommend starting allergy shots during pregnancy. Compare your options. Compare Option 1 Get allergy shots Don't get allergy shots.
Compare Option 2 Get allergy shots Don't get allergy shots. Get allergy shots Get allergy shots You will have skin tests to see what you are allergic to. You will get a shot once or twice a week that contains a small amount of the allergen.
Over 4 to 6 months your doctor will add more allergen to the shot. You will get the same dose in shots every 2 to 4 weeks for the next 4 to 6 months. You may get monthly shots for 3 to 5 years.
A month or so later, I developed allergy symptoms that I have never had before: sneezing; puffy, irritated eyes; and feeling tired. I thought maybe I was allergic to a detergent or soap, but my doctor did some tests, and it turns out I am allergic to the cat. I know it would break my daughter's heart to have to find a new home for the cat, and I have gotten attached to it, too. I decided to try getting the allergy shots and do what I can to keep the cat hair and dander out of my bedroom.
For as long as I can remember, I have had bad hay fever. I have had tests to find out just what kind of pollen I am allergic to, and it turns out that I am allergic to several different kinds. I have learned over the years that my symptoms will get worse at certain times of the year, and I try to avoid being exposed to pollen during those times. My doctor and I also have spent a lot of time finding out which antihistamines and allergy medicines work for me without a lot of side effects.
I feel like I manage my allergies well, so I'm not going to have the shots from my doctor or use tablets that dissolve under my tongue. I have lots of post-nasal drainage from my allergies, and I get several sinus infections every year during allergy season. I could take drugs to treat a runny nose, but these other problems—and the side effects of the drugs—really affect my quality of life.
My doctor has narrowed it down to just a couple of things that I am most allergic to, and I am going to try 1 or 2 years of allergy shots to see if they will help reduce my post-nasal drip and control my sinus infection problems.
I have seasonal allergies that trigger my asthma during allergy season. I know that trees and ragweed trigger my symptoms, so when these are blooming, I try to avoid them as much as possible. Since avoiding these pollens seems to help, I don't want to go through with the skin testing to find out if immunotherapy is an option for me. I have asthma, and it gets worse during allergy season.
I love being outside during the spring and summer, and I exercise outside a lot. My allergist told me that allergy shots could help my asthma during allergy season and during the whole year. I will do anything to be able to spend more time outside when it is such beautiful weather.
I am definitely going to try allergy shots to reduce my asthma symptoms. I think the hassle of having shots every week for years would be a lot worse than dealing with my runny nose and itchy eyes for a few months every year. Maybe I will buy some stock in the tissue and antihistamine companies! Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
I want to do whatever possible to relieve my symptoms even if I don't know how long the shots will work. I have tried to avoid or am not able to avoid the things that I am allergic to. Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now. How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.
Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
I don't want allergy shots if I can't be sure how long they will work. I am willing to spend the money and take the time to get allergy shots. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you? Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?
Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. We may need to change your dose before your next shot.
Reactions to allergy shots are common. Most reactions are local redness and swelling where you got the shot. Rarely, reactions can affect your entire body. This is referred to as a systemic reaction, and it can be dangerous. For this reason you must stay in our office for 30 minutes following every shot appointment. Additionally, you should not exercise for 2 hours after your shots.
If you are having asthma symptoms when you are scheduled for an allergy shot it is important to tell your nurse. Allergy shots can worsen asthma symptoms. People, healthcare, rhinitis, cold and allergy concept - unhappy woman with paper napkin blowing nose. Credit: Adobe Stock. Sick patient taking medication. Vaccinations yes or no. Conceptual photo of a syringe and medical bottle with red and blue shadow.
But if you or your child has severe, uncontrolled asthma, your doctor may recommend against them. Closeup men itching and scratching by hand. Psoriasis or eczema on the hand. Atopic allergy skin with red spots.
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