Allergy Shots
Could Immunotherapy Give You Relief?
The first line of defense for allergies is avoidance; however, inhalant and stinging allergies can be nearly impossible to avoid. Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, can help relieve allergy symptoms and mitigate severe reactions.
Allergy symptoms are caused by:
An allergic reaction occurs when your immune system mistakes a harmless substance like pollen for a dangerous one. When this happens, your body produces an antibody called “immunoglobulin E,” more commonly known as “IgE.” Each time IgE is produced, the IgE molecules attach themselves to mast cells found in large numbers in the eyes, nose, lungs, intestines, and immediately beneath the skin. These mast cells contain many chemicals, including a substance called histamine. Histamine can cause common allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and itching.
How does Immunotherapy work?
Immunotherapy is a series of shots that expose your immune system to your bothersome allergens. This process works over a period of time to help your body build an immunity to the allergen or venom that affects you. In most cases, after patients receive immunotherapy, they note less need for medications and fewer allergy symptoms. Allergy shots are the only way to suppress the underlying allergy response for long-term relief.
Are you a good candidate for allergy shots?
If medications used to control your symptoms no longer work, if you have asthma triggered by allergies, or you would like to reduce the amount of medication you are taking, then immunotherapy may be a good option for you. Allergy shots are effective against inhalant allergies and stinging insect allergies, but can not treat food allergies. Children can also receive allergy shots, and research has shown that immunotherapy can prevent those with allergic rhinitis from developing asthma.
Arkansas Allergy and Asthma Clinic offers our patients a convenient, walk-in shot clinic in Little Rock and Conway. We recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our board-certified allergists to identify your allergies and which treatment option makes the most sense for you.