Allergy Shots

What are allergy shots, and how do they work?

Allergy shots are part of immunotherapy, a treatment that soothes natural overreactions to harmless substances. These injections introduce a small amount of an allergen and gradually build up exposure to increase your tolerance.

By reducing your immune system’s reaction, allergy shots alleviate troublesome symptoms like sneezing, itching, runny nose, or asthma and protect you from severe reactions (anaphylaxis).

What allergies do shots relieve?

Allergy Associates of Utah may recommend allergy shots if you have:

Seasonal allergies

Tree, grass, and weed pollen can wreak havoc on allergies several times a year. If hay fever, for instance, prevents you from being outdoors, talk to your provider about allergy shots.

Indoor allergies

Pet dander, mold, and dust mites are common culprits of indoor allergies.

Insect stings

Nobody enjoys encountering a stinging insect, but it can be deadly for those with severe allergies. Allergy shots reduce the risk of extreme reactions, making the outdoors safer.

Drug allergies

Allergy Associates of Utah can treat sensitivity to certain medications.

Am I a good candidate for allergy shots?

You may be eligible for allergy shots if your symptoms are severe or they trigger asthma or anaphylaxis. You may also get allergy shots if you don’t respond well to medications.

Your provider recommends adults and children over age 5 get allergy shots. Younger children usually have difficulty explaining their symptoms and reactions. Allergy Associates of Utah helps you find alternative treatments if you have a young child.

What can I expect when I get an allergy shot?

Allergy Associates of Utah typically orders skin or blood tests to determine your specific allergies and tailor your care. Once they get results, you can expect two phases of treatment:

Buildup

During the buildup phase, you get shots 1-3 times weekly for 6-10 months, which may sound like a lot, but the allergen doses must begin very low and gradually increase for best results.

Maintenance

Once your immune system has the chance to adapt, Allergy Associates of Utah tapers your dosage down to monthly shots for a few years.

The shot itself is quick to administer. Plan to stay at the office for 30 minutes after the injection so the team can monitor your reaction.

To schedule your consultation and discuss whether allergy shots can work for you, call the Allergy Associates of Utah office or book online today.