Living with allergies can be a daily struggle, as the constant sneezing, itching, and congestion can significantly impact your quality of life. If you find yourself constantly relying on medications to manage your allergy symptoms, there’s a solution that could provide long-term relief: allergy shots. Let’s see what are the benefits, process, and effectiveness of allergy shots as a promising treatment option for individuals seeking lasting freedom from their allergies.
Understanding Allergy Shots
Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy or allergy desensitization, are a form of treatment that aims to desensitize your immune system to specific allergens.
The goal of immunotherapy is to help the immune system become less sensitive to allergens and reduce or eliminate allergic symptoms. It involves exposing the body to gradually increasing amounts of allergens over a period of time, either through injections (allergy shots) or sublingual tablets or drops placed under the tongue.
The Benefits
Allergy shots offer numerous benefits for individuals struggling with allergies:
Long-term Relief:
Unlike symptomatic relief provided by medications, allergy shots target the root cause of your allergies, offering long-lasting relief even after the treatment is completed.
Reduced Reliance on Medications:
Allergy shots can potentially decrease your reliance on allergy medications, allowing you to enjoy everyday activities without the constant need for antihistamines or nasal sprays.
Prevention of Asthma Development:
For individuals with allergic rhinitis, undergoing allergy shots may help prevent the development of asthma, a common complication associated with persistent allergies.
Customized Treatment Plans:
Allergy shots are tailored to your specific allergens, ensuring that you receive targeted treatment for the substances that trigger your allergic reactions.
Improved Quality of Life:
With the reduction of allergy symptoms, your overall well-being can be enhanced, enabling you to take part in activities you may have avoided due to allergies.
The Process
Undergoing allergy shots typically involves the following steps:
1. Allergy Testing
Prior to starting the treatment, you will undergo allergy testing to identify the specific allergens triggering your symptoms.
2. Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on your test results, an allergist will create a bespoke treatment plan, determining the frequency and dosage of the shots.
3. Injection Phase
The treatment involves a series of injections given at regular intervals, usually starting with a build-up phase where the dose is gradually increased, followed by a maintenance phase where the dosage remains consistent.
4. Monitoring and Adjustments
Throughout the treatment, your allergy specialist will closely monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal results.
The Effectiveness and Safety
Allergy shots have shown remarkable effectiveness in reducing allergy symptoms. According to studies, they can significantly decrease the severity of symptoms and improve the quality of life for many individuals. While allergy shots are generally safe, there is a small risk of allergic reactions to the injections. However, these reactions are rare and can be managed under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional.
FAQ’s
Allergy shots, or allergen immunotherapy, are typically recommended for individuals with moderate to severe allergies that significantly affect their daily lives and do not respond adequately to other treatments.
In general, noticeable improvements in allergy symptoms may start to occur within a few months of starting allergy shots. However, the full benefits of immunotherapy usually take more time to manifest. It is common for individuals to undergo allergy shots for several years to achieve long-lasting results.
During the build-up phase of immunotherapy, which typically lasts a few months, the allergen dosage gradually increases to help your immune system develop tolerance. Some individuals may experience a reduction in symptoms during this phase, while others may not notice significant changes until they enter the maintenance phase.
The maintenance phase of allergy shots involves receiving regular injections of a specific dosage determined by your healthcare provider. The duration of the maintenance phase varies but often lasts around 3 to 5 years. Throughout this phase, you may continue to see improvements in your symptoms, and the severity of your allergic reactions may decrease.
It is important to note that every individual’s response to allergy shots is unique. Some individuals may experience significant relief from their allergies, while others may have more modest improvements.
The cost of allergy shots with insurance coverage in the United States can vary depending on several factors, including your insurance provider, specific plan, and the terms of coverage. Insurance coverage for allergy shots can vary significantly, and it is best to check with your insurance provider directly to understand the details of your coverage.
In general, if allergy shots are covered by your insurance plan, you can expect to pay for expenses such as co-pays, deductibles, and possibly a percentage of the cost of the injections. The specific amount you will need to pay out-of-pocket can vary based on your insurance plan’s structure.
No, self-administering allergy shots are not recommended. Allergy shots involve the administration of allergens in controlled doses under the supervision of a healthcare professional. This is done to ensure safety and proper monitoring during the treatment process.
The frequency of allergy shots can vary depending on the specific treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider. In the initial stages of immunotherapy, the frequency of allergy shots is typically higher, and the interval between shots may be shorter.
During the build-up phase of allergy shots, which usually lasts several months, shots are usually administered once or twice a week. This allows the allergen dosage to gradually increase and helps your body develop tolerance.
After the build-up phase, you will enter the maintenance phase of immunotherapy. During this phase, the intervals between allergy shots are usually extended. It is common to receive shots every 2 to 4 weeks, although some individuals may require shots every 4 to 6 weeks.
The specific schedule and interval between shots will depend on various factors, including your individual response to treatment, the severity of your allergies, and the recommendations of your healthcare provider. They will tailor the treatment plan to suit your specific needs.
When the time is critical, Arizona Allergy Associates provides quick diagnostics and peace of mind.
AZ Allergy Associates Allergy Blood Test
We on AZ allergy Associates only do the Immunoglobulin E (IgE) – specific immunoassay methods on testing blood for allergy.
This test includes:
- Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA, or EIA) – is a test that detects and measures allergen-specific antibodies in your blood.
- Radioallergosorbent Test (RAST) – test your blood for specific IgE antibodies to find out what substances that you have allergic to.
What to expect from our service?
An AZ Allergy Associates certified health care provider will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You maybe feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes three to five minutes.
Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?
None. You don’t need any special preparations for the test.
At Arizona Allergy Associates, our team members know you may feel apprehensive about your blood test results and get them to you as quickly as possible. Depending on the specific test, it may take an hour or longer. Your doctor will explain the results and the need for further testing or follow-up. Your treatment plan will depend on the type and severity of your allergy.
Visit one of our locations in Chandler, Gilbert/Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Queen Creek/San Tan Valley.
When the time is critical, Arizona Allergy Associates provides quick diagnostics and peace of mind.