It is a known fact that some allergens could not be avoided. An individual will have a difficult time leading a normal life and completely avoid allergens such as dust, pollen, mold spores and dust mites. Many individuals who suffer from these allergies utilize medications such as steroid nasal sprays and antihistamines to minimize the signs and symptoms and these are considered highly effective. As for those who have severe symptoms and those who could not use the usual allergy medications, immunotherapy or allergy shots are an alternative.
What are allergy shots?
Immunotherapy or allergy shots are used in reducing the sensitivity of an individual to the allergens. This therapy is useful for those who have allergic rhinitis. The therapy involves a series of injections that are administered for several years.
The initial shots only contain minimal amounts of the allergen the individual is allergic to. After some time, the dosage is increased and the body will eventually adjust to the allergen and become less sensitive which is called desensitization.
Immunotherapy is the only form of treatment that can modify the natural course of the condition. It simply means that a 3-5 year course of injections can result to lasting benefits that lasts even after the completion of the regimen. Remember that this does not work for everybody and only suitable for some individuals. On the other hand, it offers individuals with the chance to stop using medications or reducing the dosage they have to take.
Are allergy shots suitable for me?
If an individual is considering allergy shots, a doctor must be consulted if this form of treatment is suitable for him/her.
Allergy shots might be suitable for an individual if he/she experiences severe symptoms that disrupt with his/her normal activities even though medications are taken.
The allergy shots are ideal for those who experience severe side effects from allergy medications or those who could not use allergy medications at all. The allergy shots are suitable for both children older than 2 years and adults.
Take note that allergy shots are not usually given to those who have heart issues, severe asthma, those who are using beta-blocker drugs, glaucoma, high blood pressure or those who are using monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.
The allergy shots will not work for all allergens or for all allergic issues. Even though the therapy can help minimize the symptoms of allergies such as seasonal allergic rhinitis, dust, animal dander, insect venom and mold, the therapy is not effective for medication or food allergies. Essentially, allergy shots are only administered for allergens that are bothersome all year or for significant parts of the year.
If you want to learn how to properly manage allergies, it is recommended to register for first aid training today in your area so that you can readily ease the symptoms.