A person suffering from allergy will be given an allergy shot or immunotherapy, if his body does not respond to the medications given to alleviate the allergy symptoms. What is immunotherapy? Is it an effective option to fight allergies? Let us have a quick look at the facts.
There are many substances (allergens) that trigger allergies in people. Pollen, dust mites, molds, furry pets, insects, foods, medications, plants are only a few among them. At times, these harmless substances activate a severe response from the body’s immune system thereby forcing it to release some chemicals such as histamine. The result is an appearance of allergic symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, eye itching and the likes. One of the possible ways to avoid allergy is to keep away from the allergens.
Doctors initially try to find out the allergens and prescribe medications. But if that doesn’t work, they turn towards immunotherapy, which is given to increase the resistance power of the body to fight against the allergens.
How Does Immunotherapy Work?
Immunotherapy does not guarantee a complete cure for allergy. It can only reduce the allergy symptoms. The shots are given in an increasing dose and demands several visits to the clinic. If the body responds properly, then your doctor will bring down the dosage of the shots. In a course of time, your symptoms will also get milder.
Ensure that you do not indulge in any vigorous physical activity a couple of hours before or after immunotherapy. If so, an increased blood flow to the tissues will release antigens to the blood and will give a negative result. Always inform your doctor about any medications you are taking. That will prevent the risk of side effects, if any, during the treatment. If you are pregnant or planning for a child, inform your doctor about the same.
After Immunotherapy
Once you receive the shots, don’t rush home immediately. Wait for 30 minutes to know if there are any side effects. Some people develop problems such as shortness of breath, tight throat, runny nose etc. If you feel any such troubles after reaching home, just have an antihistamine and hurry to your nearest clinic. A slight irritation or redness around the injected area is normal.
You may always have a doubt if the shots really work. Well, it depends on the individual’s body reaction, the severity of his allergy and the number of allergens he is fighting with. When immunotherapy has been found successful in acting against most of the allergens, it has been less effective in some food allergy cases.
Apart from the general allergy shots, Rush immunotherapy, oral immunotherapy and Intranasal immunotherapy are some of the new immunotherapy methods used.