Receiving Allergy Shots - Absolutely Necessary
June 14, 2008 – 4:08 pmLiving with debilitating allergies is something that millions of people do every day. It is both painful and it affects their quality of life. The symptoms are most irritating.
Finding treatments for these allergies that are effective can be a tremendous struggle. Many therapies are only for short -term.
One treatment that many people have employed is taking allergy shots. These shots contain a small amount of the allergen to which the patient is allergic. The efficacy of this method is still not known, but many swear by it and have stated that they have had good results over a period of time.
Allergy Shots: How Do They Work?
When receiving an allergy shot, the body begins to produce antibodies to that particular allergen. By doing this, it helps the body to fight the allergen. Then, the next time you are in contact with the allergen, the antibodies which have formed can help by blocking the effect it would have had otherwise.
In turn, this causes the symptoms to be less severe as well. Relief will begin to occur with time and will become longer lasting.
The most common reason for receiving an allergy shot is for allergies to pollen such as hay fever, or allergic rhinitis. Asthma can be improved also by the use of allergy shots. These shots are used as a last result when other methods, such as antihistamines, have not worked.
If someone suffers form severe asthma or heart disease, allergy shots are not recommended. If pregnant, you must consult your doctor to see if you can continue your shots. Children who are under the age of five years old should not receive these shots either.
If a person suffers from asthma or heart disease of other heart-related problems, the allergy shots are not recommended. If children are under the age of five, they should not receive the shots either. During pregnancy, allergy shots should not be started. Due to the unknown effects it may have upon the unborn child, this is not recommended. If your doctor decides the allergy shots are right for you, an allergy test will be administered to determine the causes of your allergies. The skin test can be performed as well. The shots are typically started about twice a week and then after six months. One can begin maintenance shots once a month, after that. Receiving allergy shots should be carefully planned and though about with one’s physician before beginning this regime.
Tags: Allergies/Asthma
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