Should I Get Allergy Shots?

Also called immunotherapy, these shots can help people with severe allergies, our expert says.


In every issue of WebMD the Magazine, we ask our experts to answer readers' questions about a wide range of topics. In our March/April 2012 issue, we spoke to Michael Land, MD, WebMD's Allergy and Asthma Expert, about allergy shots -- who needs them, how they work, and how long you have to get them.

Q: I'm tired of fighting my allergy symptoms. What do allergy shots do? How long would I have to get them?

A: Allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, are best for people with severe allergy symptoms or those that last more than three months every year. They can also help people who can't take allergy medicines because of side effects or interactions with other medications. The shots work by slowly increasing the dose of the substances (or allergens, such as pollen and pet dander) that trigger your symptoms, ultimately lowering your sensitivity to them.

In the buildup phase, you'll get the shots once or twice a week for several months. Some people start to feel relief within the first few weeks, while others have to wait several months. When you reach your maintenance dose, you’ll get a shot every two to four weeks for two to five years.

While the shots don't "cure" allergies, they should reduce your symptoms noticeably. Most people eventually discontinue them completely (although if you move to a different area, you might need a new round of shots to protect you against specific pollens there).

In most cases, allergy shots don't cause side effects, other than redness and slight swelling near the injection site. Each injection does pose a slight risk of allergic reaction, however, so you always need to get your shot at a doctor's office and stay on-site for about 30 minutes afterward.

 

 

Michael Land - WebMD