FAQs About Allergy Shots and Allergen Immunotherapy
Seasonal changes and everyday environmental triggers can make allergy symptoms hard to manage. Allergy shots for allergic rhinitis provide a dependable treatment that reduces immune system sensitivity to common allergens. But before committing to this long-term allergy management approach, there are some important details you should understand. Our allergy shot FAQ brings together the most common questions in one convenient place.
Common Patient Questions About Allergy Shots
If you or your child experience regular sneezing, a runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, sinus pressure and other troubling symptoms, finding an appropriate treatment is needed for long-term relief. While some effective treatments work by controlling symptoms, allergy shots work differently. In fact, allergy shots can change how the immune system reacts to allergens. After reaching the maintenance phase, many patients can tolerate exposure to allergens with few or no severe symptoms.
Our allergen immunotherapy FAQ looks closer at this process, and can help you determine whether it might be right for you.
How Do Allergy Shots Work?
Allergy shots work by exposing the immune system to gradually increasing amounts of a specific allergen. These manageable doses received over time train the immune system to become less sensitive to allergy triggers.
What Allergies Can Be Treated With Allergy Shots?
Allergy shots can be used to treat many seasonal and environmental allergies, including pollen, dust mites, mold and pet dander. Immunotherapy is typically recommended for allergies triggered by airborne substances.
When Is the Best Time to Start Allergy Shots?
The best time to start allergy shots is when symptoms are persistent and not well controlled by medication. For those with seasonal allergies, it’s recommended to begin treatment several months before peak pollen season arrives.
Are Allergy Shots Covered by Insurance?
Allergy shots are often covered by health insurance plans when they are prescribed by a medical professional. However, coverage may vary depending on the particular terms of your policy.
How Long Does It Take for Allergy Shots to Work?
Allergy shots typically take several months to work, with improvement occurring gradually as the immune system builds tolerance to an allergen. As a long-term allergy treatment option, patients will receive periodic shots over several years.
Are Allergy Shots Safe?
Allergy shots are safe for most people, and are administered under medical supervision. In some cases patients may experience a mild response at the injection site, such as redness or swelling.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Allergy Shots?
A good candidate for allergy shots is someone with moderate to severe reactions who has not responded positively to their daily medication. Allergists will review symptoms, medical history and test results before recommending treatment.
Can Allergy Shots Help With Asthma?
Allergy shots can help with asthma when the condition is triggered by environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, mold or pet dander. Lessening the immune system’s sensitivity to allergens can decrease asthma symptoms.
Are Allergy Shots Safe for Children?
Allergy shots are safe for children and are widely used for seasonal allergy management. Starting immunotherapy at a young age could potentially prevent the development of new allergies.
Can You Get Allergy Shots While Pregnant?
You can usually get allergy shots while pregnant if you have started treatment before the pregnancy. However, allergists typically will not recommend initiating such treatment when a patient is already pregnant.
Visit Us for Innovative Allergen Immunotherapy Treatment
TexasAllergyMD provides a range of dependable treatments for seasonal and environmental allergies. We offer patient-centered allergy treatment and testing at our leading allergy treatment centers. For more information on allergy shots, allergy drops and other techniques for controlling symptoms, speak with our team today. Call (469) 375-1525 or request an appointment now.
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