How Long Do Allergy Shots Last

They Could Improve Mental Health

Allergies have the capacity to affect a person’s quality of life, which could include aspects of physical and mental health, according to a January 2016 Drug Discovery Today article

Further, researchers of a September 2018 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that “a history of seasonal allergies was associated with significantly higher odds of reporting lifetime mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders.”

However, the January 2016 Drug Discovery Today article noted that studies have shown the positive affect that allergen immunotherapy can have on the quality of life for those with grass pollen allergies.

Therefore, if severe allergies have really taken a toll on your health and happiness, it’s possible that mental state can improve as well with the help of allergy shots or other immunotherapy options.

How Long Do They Take To Work

It varies from patient to patient. Some find relief from symptoms in just a few months during the build-up phase. Others require a full year of consistent treatment to see significant improvement.

You should talk to your doctor if youre concerned that your symptoms arent going away. Adjusting your shot schedule or slightly reformulating your medicine may help.

How Long Does The Allergy Shots Treatment Last

Thankfully with allergy shots, the decision is not a forever choice. If I chose to continue the course we would have the same conversation in 6 months at the end of my next vial of shots. The choice to end shots would mean that if allergy symptoms returned to my same level prior to shots we’d start over from square one. We could try different medications to keep my allergies and asthma at bay just like we had while I was doing allergy shots. We could also choose to start another round of allergy shots starting from the very beginning. I had a few minutes to consider my decision while the nurse came in to have me do spirometry. With this brief reflection, I decided to take the leap of faith and quit allergy shots. I needed to answer the What if?’s with real-life experiences. I would finish out the vial of extract they had for me. From there I would go forth into the allergen-filled world until my next checkup.This is perhaps the final chapter my allergy shot journey. At present looks like I won’t be starting up another round of allergy shots anytime soon. Have you also put a course of allergy shots in your rearview mirror as well?

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How Will The Decision Be Made Regarding The Length Of Treatment

Each individual is unique however, in general, the longer the course of allergen immunotherapy, the less likely there will be a relapse of allergy symptoms when the shots are stopped. Most patients are able to achieve lifelong immunity that blocks their allergic sensitivities after about a 5-year course of monthly maintenance injections. A gradual “weaning” off of immunotherapy may be helpful in determining whether you are ready to completely discontinue your injections.

Getting Your Allergy Shots

You will get your allergy shots at your provider’s office. They are usually given in the upper arm. The typical schedule is:

• For the first 3 to 6 months, you receive shots about 1 to 3 times a week.
• For the next 3 to 5 years, you receive the shots less often, about every 4 to 6 weeks.

Keep in mind that many visits are needed to get the full effects of this treatment. Your provider will assess your symptoms now and then to help decide when you can stop receiving the shots.

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How Do You Prepare For An Allergy Shot

Before you start allergy shots, youll need a full evaluation. The doctor needs to test your allergies to know exactly which substances to use in the shots.

For example, if you have allergies during pollen season, theyll test for which types of pollen cause your symptoms. Ragweed, grasses, and various tree pollens are common culprits.

Allergy testing usually consists of skin pricking. During a skin prick test, your doctor will prick the skin on your back or forearm with several types of allergens to determine which ones cause reactions.

A type of specialist known as an allergist or an immunologist will conduct all testing and treatment with allergy shots.

Once your doctor has identified your allergens, youll start receiving allergy shots. The process is broken down into two phases:

What Are The Allergy Shot Build

We offer three different build-up schedules to help patients reach their maintenance phase: traditional, cluster, and rush. The traditional schedule requires 1-3 shots a week, there are no appointments necessary, and it takes patients 3-6 months to reach maintenance. The cluster schedule requires two appointments a week for 4-9 weeks to reach maintenance, these appointments last for approximately two hours and must be scheduled. The rush schedule requires 1 scheduled full day appointment followed by 16 visits to reach maintenance.

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What Are The Side Effects Of Allergy Shots

The side effects of allergy shots are usually minimal. Most commonly, patients will feel slight itching or swelling at the site of the injection. Other people may experience more severe allergy symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, and hives. While rare, a person can have a serious reaction, like anaphylaxis, typically within 30 minutes after the shot is given. Therefore, waiting at an allergy office is required after an allergy shot is given. It is important for trained allergy staff to monitor patients after their allergy shots to ensure no reaction occurs.

What Are The Downsides

The most obvious drawback for allergy shots is the time commitment. You must stick to a weekly schedule of allergist visits for months, and it could be years of monthly follow-ups before you see significant improvement.

That said, symptoms generally start to improve within the first year of treatment and often continue to get better during the second year. By the third to fifth year, most people are free of allergy symptoms and may be able to stop getting shots.

Aside from time, thereâs the potential for a reaction to the treatment, since it has small amounts of the things youâre allergic to. For instance, you may have redness or swelling around the injection site if you get a shot, or you may have other symptoms.

âSometimes, patients report an increase in nose or eye symptoms, such as stuffy nose, runny nose, or itchy eyes,â says allergy immunologist Kathleen Dass, MD, of the Michigan Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center. While itâs rare, itâs also possible to have anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction involving hives, swelling, trouble breathing, dizziness, and/or loss of consciousness. Thatâs why you need to get the treatment in your allergistâs office and wait there for a while after each shot, Dass says.

Also, allergy shots can be expensive. While theyâre generally covered by insurance, if you have a high-deductible health plan, you may have to pay out of pocket until you hit your deductible each year.

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Can I Really Get Rid Of My Allergies

If youre a candidate for allergy shots, this effective immunotherapy helps your body build immunity to the allergen. Remember, after 3-5 years, youre allergy-free!

To find out if allergy shots are right for you, call us today or request your appointment here on our website.

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My Allergy Shots Arent Working Why Could That Be

There are a few different reasons why you may not be finding relief from immunotherapy.

The first is time. As stated previously, immunotherapy is a slow process. It can take several months for your symptoms to start disappearing. If youve been receiving consistent shots for a year and havent noticed any changes, talk to your immunologist about next steps.

Alternatively, you may be allergic to something that wasnt identified in your allergy test and isnt included in your treatment formula. Your immunologist may have you retested or administer a different kind of test.

Lastly, you might not be receiving a high enough dose. Shot schedules start with very small amounts which are slowly increased over time. Its possible you may need a higher dose or need to receive injections more often. Your doctor can advise you on your options.

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What Kind Of Allergy Shots Do I Need

The kind of shot you get depends on what youre allergic to. Before starting treatment, youll be tested to identify exactly what substances trigger your symptoms and determine what goes into your treatment.

For example, if you experience a lot of symptoms in the spring, you may have a pollen allergy. Youll be tested to determine exactly what type of pollen your immune system is reacting to. Your immunologist will then formulate allergy shots that are made just for you.

What Happens When Coming In For An Allergy Shot Without An Appointment

When a patient starts immunotherapy and chooses the traditional build-up schedule, they will receive notice when their vials are available at their shot room. We have 40+ offices throughout the region, and the office you choose to get allergy shots in does not have to be the same one where your appointment with your physician was if another is more convenient. After you receive notice, visit the office, check-in at the desk, and take a seat. Once your name is called, our staff will go over safety information during the first visit. At your first visit, you will also be given a scan card to let you sign in by scanning your card at the next visit. This barcode can also be stored on our patient app.

After the first visit, patients come in scan their card and take a seat so our shot room staff can get their vials ready.

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How Do You Manage An Allergic Reaction

The most effective management of allergic reactions is preventing them. Avoid the allergens whenever possible. For example, if you get rashes on wearing a certain type of jewelry or using certain cosmetics, you must avoid them. Similarly, if you are allergic to certain foods, its prudent to remove them from your diet.

• Avoiding allergens is important because repeated exposure may make the allergic reaction worse and more difficult to manage.
• Taking a shower or applying a cool compress may ease skin rash. It may also help to wash away any allergen clinging to your skin.
• Do not rub yourself with a towel, pat dry and apply a gentle soothing gel or moisturizer.
• Wear breathable and loose clothes.
• Over-the-counter hydrocortisone or calamine lotion may help in relieving skin itching and burning.
• If your symptoms do not get better or become worse, you should seek medical help.

Patients who have a tendency to food allergies must be cautious while eating and preferably keep EpiPen with them, which is an automatic epinephrine injector used to prevent anaphylaxis in emergencies.

Your doctor may prescribe any of the several medications available to help control symptoms of allergic reactions, including:

Are Allergy Shots Right For You

While we recommend you visit your doctor or allergist to ascertain whether youre a good candidate for allergy shots, these questions will also help you decide:

• What are your allergies? If youre allergic to one or more of the substances listed above, then allergy shots can help lessen your symptoms. However, if you have an allergy to latex, drugs, or certain foods, immunotherapy is not recommended.
• How bad are your allergies? If symptoms persist for longer than three out of 12 months or are impacting your daily activities then allergy shots may provide more relief than other treatment methods.
• What other treatments have you tried? If youre on a prescription antihistamine or another medication from an allergist but these dont help your symptoms, let your allergist know. They could recommend immunotherapy as your next treatment.
• Are you okay with needles? If you have a severe fear of or significant discomfort associated with needles, then you might want to rethink allergy shots. While its true the injections become less frequent as the treatment goes on, it will take a while to get there. You may want to discuss sublingual immunotherapy or SLIT with your allergist. This treatment involves you taking tablets or drops under your tongue instead of receiving injections.

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What Are The Benefits Of Allergy Shots

• You might be cured of your allergies.

• You may need less allergy medicine.

• You may be sick less often and miss less work or school because of illness.

• You may feel better in general.

• The shots may stop children from getting other allergies.

• The shots may stop children with allergies from getting asthma.

How Often Do You Get Allergy Shots

At first, youâll go to your doctor once or twice a week for several months. Youâll get the shot in your upper arm. It’ll contain a tiny amount of the thing youâre allergic to — pollen, pet dander, mold, dust mites, or bee venom, for example.

The dose will go up gradually until you get to whatâs called a maintenance dose. After that, youâll usually get a shot every 2-4 weeks for 4-5 months. Then your doctor will gradually increase the time between shots until youâre getting them about once a month for 3-5 years. During that time, your allergy symptoms will get better and may even go away.

If your symptoms donât improve after a year of shots, talk with your doctor about other treatment options.

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Allergy Shots: Are They Worth It 5 Things You Need To Know

If you suffer from allergies, youre familiar with the constant congestion, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and other hay fever symptoms that always spring up as springtime rolls around. Or maybe your symptoms plague you all year long because of ever-present pets, mold, and dust.

Perhaps youve tried oral decongestants, nasal sprays, and eye drops all with no long-term success. If thats the case for you, youre not alone. Allergies are the 6th most common cause of chronic illnesses in the US.

Fortunately, one of the most effective treatments is one of the simplest: an allergy shot. Weve asked Dr. Daniel Reichmuth, one of our expert immunologists, to share insight into the question, Are allergy shots worth it?

Can Everyone Get Allergy Shots

Most people over the age of 5 can get allergy shots. You should not get them if you have severe asthma, heart problems, or take beta blockers. You also should not get them if you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you have been taking allergy shots for some time and become pregnant. You may be able to keep taking them.

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Articles On Leukotriene Modifiers

• Allergies and Asthma

Leukotriene modifiers are medicines used to manage allergic rhinitis or allergies, as well as prevent asthma. These novel drugs work by blocking the action of leukotrienes. They are typically not used as the first mode of treatment.

Leukotrienes are inflammatory chemicals the body releases after coming in contact with an allergen or allergy trigger. Leukotrienes cause tightening of airway muscles and the production of excess mucus and fluid. These chemicals play a key role in allergies, allergic rhinitis, and asthma, also causing a tightening of your airways, making it difficult to breathe.

How Long Do Asthma Shots Last

A typical allergy shot schedule may look something like this:

• Buildup phase: You will initially receive a small dose of the allergen, which gradually increases, one or two times per week during the buildup phase. This phase generally lasts about three to six months.
• Maintenance phase: After approximately three to six months of weekly shots, you will achieve your maintenance dose, at which point the number of shots reduces from weekly to one dose every two to four weeks. The maintenance phase may last for three to five years.

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Asthma Shots: How Allergy Shots For Asthma Work

Brian Bezack, DO, is board-certified in pediatric pulmonology and pediatrics. He is the sole practitioner and owner of Bezack Pediatric Pulmonology in Commack, NY.

• Frequently Asked Questions

Allergyshots are a form of immunotherapy that can be used to treat underlying allergies that trigger asthma attacks. They work by helping the immune system build up a tolerance to substances that trigger symptoms . They can be as effective as corticosteroids and are very beneficial to people with allergic asthma.

This article discusses how allergy shots can benefit people with asthma.

Verywell / Alex Dos Diaz

Who Needs Asthma Shots

Individuals who have asthma attacks triggered by allergies to pollen, dust, pet dander, or another allergen for which immunotherapy is available may benefit from allergy shots.

Allergy shots should not be given to:

• Children under the age of 2
• People who have had a recent heart attack, unstable angina, or who are on beta-blockers
• Individuals who are incapable of reporting the side effects of a serious allergic reaction because they are nonverbal or otherwise unable to communicate

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How Do I Start Sublingual Immunotherapy

Request an appointment for allergy testing and an evaluation to see if you are likely to benefit from sublingual immunotherapy. If you are, the vials take one to two weeks to mix. A doctor will see you once or twice per year to monitor your progress. During therapy, when your last vial is half empty, please call our office to order your new vial.