| If you are interested in finding out whether allergy | | | | found to be allergic to. |
| shots might work for you, talk to an allergist certified | | | | Another purpose of this testing is to make sure you |
| by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. | | | | don't have a bad reaction to the very tiny amounts |
| Shots may be right for you if you have very severe | | | | of allergens used in the tests. If you do, you may |
| symptoms that interfere with your normal activities | | | | not be able to take the shots because you might be |
| even though you are taking appropriate medication. | | | | at higher risk of developing an unlikely, but potentially |
| For more information on medications, see | | | | very severe and even life-threatening, reaction called |
| Understanding Allergy and Hay Fever Medications. | | | | anaphylaxis. |
| They are a good option for people who have severe | | | | Some people refuse to consider allergy shots |
| side effects from allergy medications or who cannot | | | | because they fear needles. Because the allergen |
| take allergy medications at all. | | | | extracts are injected just under the skin, the needles |
| Allergy shots are suitable for both children older than | | | | used for immunotherapy are very small, much smaller |
| 5 years and adults. Allergy shots are generally not | | | | and finer than the larger needles used for many |
| given to people with heart problems or severe | | | | immunizations and medications. The discomfort |
| asthma, to people who take beta-blocker drugs for | | | | associated with these very small needles is minimal. |
| heart problems, high blood pressure, or glaucoma, or | | | | Even most children are able to tolerate the shots |
| to people who take drugs called monoamine oxidase | | | | very well. Even shot haters can change their minds |
| (MAO) inhibitors. | | | | when their symptoms start to abate. |
| Allergy shots do not work for all allergens or for all | | | | A final factor in your consideration of allergy shots is |
| allergic conditions. While they reduce symptoms of | | | | your patience. If they are to work properly, the |
| allergies such as seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever); | | | | shots must be given in a series over time. The initial |
| indoor allergies such as dust and dust mites, molds | | | | series takes at least 6 months, and maintenance |
| and mildews, and animal dander; and stinging insect | | | | therapy should continue for 3-5 years. Trying to |
| venoms, they are not effective for food or | | | | speed up the schedule can be dangerous. |
| medication allergies at this time. Generally, they are | | | | Most people who have good results begin to see an |
| given only for allergens that are bothersome all year | | | | improvement in their symptoms about 6-12 months |
| long or for significant portions of each year. | | | | after starting the treatment. You will need to |
| Before prescribing shots, your allergist will do a full | | | | continue getting booster (maintenance) shots for |
| evaluation. He or she will first go over your medical | | | | some time after completing the first series of shots. |
| history and do a brief medical exam. | | | | While most people are able to stop the shots after |
| A full series of allergy tests will be performed to | | | | 3-5 years without experiencing bothersome |
| confirm your specific allergen(s). Depending on the | | | | symptoms, others have to keep getting shots for |
| results, the allergist may go ahead and recommend | | | | longer periods. You need to make a commitment at |
| that you try allergy shots. The specific shots that | | | | the beginning to stick with the therapy or you will |
| you receive are based on which allergens you are | | | | not see positive results. |