Allergy therapy, or allergy shots, is used to treat chronic allergy symptoms such as hay fever or allergic asthma, according to National Jewish Health. Allergy therapy uses a technique called immunotherapy, which exposes the immune system to small amounts of an allergen in order to desensitize it, according to the Mayo Clinic. This process results in the immune system building a tolerance toward the allergen and significantly reducing the patient's allergic reaction symptoms.
About Allergens
Allergens are substances that a person's immune system is sensitive to, such as pollen, milk proteins and dust mites. When an allergen enters the body, the immune system reacts to it as if it is a harmful substance and attempts to ward it off. It attacks the allergen with antibodies, leading to histamine release throughout the body. This chain reaction causes typical allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Methodology
Allergy therapy begins with identifying the various allergens causing a reaction in the body, according to National Jewish Health. Once identified, weak doses of the allergen are injected into the person. The individual remains under a physician's care for at least 30 minutes to ensure there is no severe reaction. Over time, the dose of the allergen is increased, making the immune system more tolerant of the substance. The therapy may take six months to a year before showing any significant improvement.
Prospects
The most common prospects to participate in immunotherapy are people who suffer from indoor allergies, seasonal allergies and insect bite allergies, according to the Mayo Clinic. Indoor allergies include dust mites, pet dander and mold spores. Seasonal allergens are experienced during the springtime when pollen and outdoor mold is at a high or during the fall when other plants are producing pollen. People who suffer from insect bite allergic reactions, such as to bee stings, are also considered good prospects for allergy shot treatment.
Considerations
Allergy shots are not for everyone with allergies, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Immunotherapy is the most effective with pollen allergies, eye allergies, insect sting allergies and drug allergies. This therapy is not recommended for food allergies. Allergy shots are not recommended for people with asthma or heart issues. Children under the age of 5 should not participate in immunology, unless directed by a doctor. Pregnant women should not begin allergy shot treatment.
Complications
Some patients experience a severe reaction to immunotherapy, called anaphylaxis. In this rare case, the patient will experience shortness of breath, lip swelling and a faint pulse. The allergist may recommend discontinuing the treatment if someone experiences this type of reaction.
