Factors Associated With A Higher Risk Of Hymenoptera Venom Allergy
Beekeeping is associated with a higher risk of bee venom systemic reactions . Female sex seems to be associated with a higher risk of any Hymenoptera venom systemic reactions . Female sex seems to be associated with a higher risk of development of wasp venom allergy . A similar trend, however not reaching statistical significance, was found in women allergic to bee venom.
They’re A Big Time Commitment
Allergy shots are given in two phases. In the “build-up” phase, you’ll need a shot once or twice a week for about three to six months. After that, you’ll enter the “maintenance” phase and receive them less oftenabout once or twice a month, for several years.
Sticking to this schedule is important, for the shots’ effectiveness and to reduce your chances of having a bad reaction. “For some people it’s absolutely worth it, but some people just don’t have that time to spare,” says Dr. Dziadzio. And while the shots themselves only take a minute, you probably will have to wait those 30 minutes in your doctor’s office after each one.
Is Environmental Allergy Immunotherapy Right For You
Talk with a board-certified allergist about how your allergy symptoms affect your activities and health, then consider whether immunotherapy might help more than allergen avoidance and/or medications.
Use the following questions to help guide you with your decision:
- Have reliable allergy tests identified that you are allergic to an allergen that can be successfully treated with immunotherapy?
- Is the allergen one that is difficult to avoid exposure to in everyday life?
- Do your symptoms consistently interfere with daily activities?
- Have your symptoms been difficult to control with allergy medications?
- Do you have related conditions such as eczema, sinusitis or asthma that complicate your allergies?
- Are you able to commit to the immunotherapy schedule?
Use with your allergist to determine if environmental allergen immunotherapy is right for you. Shared Decision Making encourages patients to take a more active role in their care. You work closely with doctors to select tests and treatments together. Its evidence-based and balances risks and results with a patients preferences and values.
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They Can Take A Few Years To Really Work
Allergy shots aren’t a quick fix: While some people may start to feel better during the build-up phase of their treatment, most people won’t experience noticeable improvement until they’ve been in the maintenance phase for six to 18 months, says Dr. Dziadzio.
In fact, a 2017 British study found that it took three full years for allergy shots for hay fever to be more effective than placebo shots. The maintenance phase for most allergy shots is usually continued for three to five years. Some patients experience long-lasting relief after that, and some may need continued treatment.
How Long Does It Take For The Allergy Shots To Start Working
It can take anywhere from three months to over a year for allergy shots to start working.
This is not a quick fix, Dr. Harbour said. Typically we tell clients that this is something we commit to for the long-haul.
In the meantime, your vet might recommend a prescription medication, like Apoquel or Atopica, to manage your dogs symptoms.
Or they might recommend a dog-safe over-the-counter antihistamine which is usually best paired with an omega-3 supplement.
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Forms Of Allergy Drops
Allergy drops may come in liquid or tablet form.
Currently, all allergy drops approved by the FDA are in tablet form. The FDA is still evaluating the safety and efficacy of the liquid form and hasnt approved it yet. In the United States liquid drops are still used by some doctors but only as off-label drugs.
Penn Medicine Becker Ent & Allergy
Immunotherapy is a viable option for people that find their lives adversely affected by allergies year-round. If you live in New Jersey and suffer from allergies, you should consider the benefits of immunotherapy for your condition and call Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy today. Call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Edwards for allergy & immunology care for both children & adults.
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What Exactly Are Allergy Shots
Allergieswhether they’re seasonal or year-roundcan put a serious damper on quality of life in some cases, they can even be deadly. But for certain types of allergies, allergen immunotherapy can be a big help.
They may require a lot of time and effort, but the benefits of allergy shots can be life-changing and long-lasting for people of all ages. Their effectiveness for children and young adults is well known, and a 2016 study also found that they can be effective for older adults, as wellreducing symptoms of hay fever in people ages 65 to 75 by 55% after three years, and reducing the need for medication by 64%.
“Everyone is different, and it’s true that some people don’t have a good response,” Laura Dziadzio, MD, a pediatric allergist and assistant professor at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, tells Health. “But for others, it’s like night and day. I have lots of patients who were really miserable and are now doing much better, and can finally enjoy the things they couldn’t before.”
If you’ve tested positive for an allergy and are considering immunotherapy treatments, here are 10 things you should know.
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:
- buildup
- maintenance
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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.
How Well It Works
Immunotherapy for insect stings can reduce your chances of having another severe systemic allergic reaction from 60% to about 5%.footnote 1
It is not clear exactly how effective the protection against future stings is after the treatment has ended. In about 80 to 90 out of 100 cases, people who were treated will still be protected against systemic reactions even if tests show some remaining immune sensitivity.footnote 1
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What Are The Allergic Diseases Treated With Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a useful treatment option for people who are unable to avoid exposure to allergens. Allergen immunotherapy can be used to treat allergic conditions such as:
Immunotherapy may not be suitable for
- People with uncontrolled or severe asthma
- People with heart or lung disease
- Children younger than five years of age
- Pregnant women, though therapy may be continued if a person got pregnant while on immunotherapy
How Does The Process Work
The first step is to confirm a patients allergies through allergy testing. Then, a custom-mixed vial of drops is prepared for the patient. The patient takes drops under the tongue daily. During the first four months, called the escalation phase, the dosage is gradually increased. After that, in the maintenance phase, the patient takes the same dose of drops each day.
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What Is Rush Immunotherapy
Itâs a faster way to get to a maintenance dose, but itâs also riskier.
During the first part of the treatment, you get doses of the allergen every day instead of every few days. Your doctor will check on you closely, in case you have a bad reaction. In some cases, you may get medicine before you get the dose of the allergen, to help prevent a reaction.
Unorthodox Use Of Immunotherapy
There is no proven role for allergen immunotherapy to reduce the severity of symptoms related to food intolerance or any perceived adverse reactions to food chemicals, additives, preservatives, artificial colours or smoke. There is no proven role for the addition of bacterial extracts to allergen extracts for immunotherapy, or for the use of bacterial extracts to treat any allergic disease at this time.
At this time, immunotherapy to switch off food allergy is the subject of research, but is yet to enter routine clinical practice. Those who have a diagnosed food allergy must avoid the food trigger, unless they are participating in a research study lead by a clinical immunology/allergy specialist.
ASCIA is the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand.ASCIA resources are based on published literature and expert review, however, they are not intended to replace medical advice. The content of ASCIA resources is not influenced by any commercial organisations.For more information go to www.allergy.org.au To donate to immunology/allergy research go to www.allergyimmunology.org.au
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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?
A Shot Isn’t Your Only Option
For people who hate shots or can’t keep up with their intensive schedule, sub-lingual therapy may be another option. This type of immunotherapy is delivered in daily tablets that dissolve under the tongue, and only the first few doses need to be taken with a doctor present.
Sub-lingual therapies are currently on the market for grass pollen and for ragweed pollen . Some allergy practices will also administer liquid drops under-the-tongue to treat other types of allergies, although these treatments are not FDA-approved.
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Why Do Allergies Occur
Allergies occur when a persons immune system overreacts to minor toxins or harmless substances present in the environment such as:
- Animal dander
- Stinging insects
Exposure to allergens causes certain immune cells known as mast cells to release inflammatory compounds such as histamine, which causes the allergy inflammation symptoms. The mast cells also release cytokines that activate other immune cells which contribute to the worsening of symptoms.
Disadvantages Of Allergy Immunotherapy
As with all types of medical procedures and treatments, allergy desensitization has some drawbacks. Following are some of the more common disadvantages of allergy shots:
- Immunotherapy does not work on every type of allergy. It is true that shots work well for common allergies such as pet dander, pollen, dust, and other pollutants found in the home. Shots are ineffective for treating food allergies and urticaria. Urticaria causes chronic hives related to an underlying disease such as hyperthyroidism or lupus. In addition, insect venom allergies such as bee stings or spider bites cannot be prevented by allergy shots.
- Some patients have a reaction that shows up as redness, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site. However, injection site reactions usually last just one day.
- Occasionally, certain patients balk at the time commitment needed for successful allergy prevention. Missing appointments can delay or derail relief from allergies.
- Allergy shots can worsen allergy symptoms at first when the injection regimen starts.
- Since allergy shots rarely cause anaphylaxis, patients must wait in their physicians office for 30 minutes until the danger of anaphylaxis passes.
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True As The Name Suggests Immunotherapy Is A Treatment Targeting The Immune System It Either Triggers Or Increases An Individuals Immunity By Exposing Them To Substances To Which They Are Allergic This Process Is Also Known As Desensitization
Immunotherapy is used in the treatment of several pathologies, such as hay fever and cancer. With cancer, this treatment strengthens the immune system, helping it to more efficiently find cancer cells throughout the body to better fight them off. Immunotherapy is also used for other diseases that affect the immune system, such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
With food allergies, immunotherapy increases a persons tolerance to one or more allergens. There are many reasons why someone with food allergies may try immunotherapy, but one of its most important goals is to protect the person in the event that they accidentally come into contact with their allergen. In some cases, immunotherapy may also allow allergen-containing foods to be reintegrated into the persons diet.
Learn More About Allergy Shots From Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center
For more information about allergy treatment and prevention contact any of the 11 Charlotte, NC offices of the Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center. The offices are staffed allergists that are board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. Get in touch with us today to schedule your appointment.
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Side Effects Of Immunotherapy Injections
Some patients develop a localised swelling at the site of the injection. This can be treated with non-sedating oral antihistamines or ice packs and if painful, Paracetamol. If the swelling is significant, your doctor may need to reduce the next dose.
More severe reactions are uncommon, however predicting who might have the serious reactions is difficult. Patients are normally advised to:
- Remain in their doctor’s surgery for at least 30 minutes after injection.
- Avoid exercising for at least 3 hours afterwards.
- Avoid some heart and blood pressure medications . Must be discussed with the prescribing doctor.
- Taking a non-sedating oral antihistamine before the injection may reduce the risk of side effects and may be recommended by your doctor.
It is important to inform your doctor about any reactions you may have experienced after your last injection and any new medications you are taking , or if you become pregnant.
Patients who are pregnant , are not routinely commenced on allergen immunotherapy until after they have given birth. If the patient is on maintenance doses of allergen immunotherapy and then becomes pregnant, the injections can be continued , but the supervising specialist should be contacted to discuss relevant safety issues.
Immunotherapy Injections Versus Sublingual Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy has been given by injection for more than 100 years and many studies prove that it is effective. A number of studies published in the last five years have shown that very high dose sublingual immunotherapy , where allergen extracts are retained under the tongue for a few minutes, then swallowed, can also be effective. SLIT has a longer history of use in Europe than in Australia and New Zealand, where it is used more commonly than injected immunotherapy.
The allergen extracts currently available in Australia and New Zealand for oral and injected therapy are very potent, and are NOT the extremely weak and ineffective extracts used by some medical practitioners ten or more years ago.
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Which Allergies Can Allergy Shots Treat
Allergy shots cant treat all allergies, but they can help those with allergies to several different pollens including grasses, trees, and weeds. They are also beneficial for molds, house dust mites, cockroaches and pet dander.
If you have general insect allergies, including an allergy to yellow jackets, hornets, wasps, bees or fire ant, allergy shots could also be a good option.
If you struggle with seasonal allergies, talk to your doctor or allergist about immunotherapy injections.
How Effective Are Allergy Shots For Dogs
Allergy shots are considered to be pretty effective and even in cases when they dont completely fix a dogs allergies, they can still help improve your dogs allergy symptoms.
It’s about 70 to 80 percent effective, but that’s along a spectrum, Dr. Harbour said. Some patients will completely improve, others will have less severe flares and we can potentially reduce their medications over time, and others it may be hard to notice actual improvement, but it may be simply preventing progression/worsening of disease over time.
So even if the allergy shots dont help your dog with his immediate allergies, its possible that immunotherapy can actually prevent his symptoms from getting worse in the long run.
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