Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, are used to help increase your body’s immunity to substances you are allergic to. As with other types of medical shots, immunotherapy does come with a risk of side effects. The most common of side effects cause discomfort at the injection site, while more dangerous effects are rare. According to Kids Health, less than 2 percent of all allergy shot patients experience severe side effects. Always address your concerns about immunotherapy with your physician, and report any unusual symptoms immediately.
Common Effects
The process of immunotherapy involves injecting doses of specific allergens into your body. Many patients experience temporary swelling, bumps and irritation at the injection site. According to the Mayo Clinic, such symptoms clear up within four hours of receiving the allergy shot. If the bump at the site of the shot is larger than quarter-sized, then your doctor might decrease the amount of allergens used during a set of immunotherapy until your body becomes more accustomed to the process.
Allergic Reactions
There is a small chance that allergy shots can aggravate your allergies, because you are receiving small dosages of substances you are allergic to. Although such occurrences aren’t common, look for symptoms such as hives, sneezing and congestion. The Mayo Clinic says you are less likely to experience severe reactions if you maintain consistency within your immunotherapy schedule without skipping doses.
Anaphylaxis
The most dangerous potential side effect associated with allergy shots is anaphylaxis. This condition is most likely to occur within the first 30 minutes of receiving the shots. Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening condition in which your body recedes into a state of shock. According to the Mayo Clinic, anaphylaxis is a rare reaction to allergy shots, but it can cause extremely dangerous conditions such as low blood pressure, breathing difficulties and coma. Your allergist or immunologist will likely have you wait at the office for 30 minutes after receiving shots just in case such a reaction occurs. Anaphylaxis requires emergency medical attention and a shot of epinephrine.
Benefits vs. Risks
Allergy shots are a widely used treatment, but patients with specific allergies tend to respond to immunotherapy better than others. Kids Health says that allergy shots are best for those allergic to insects, pollen, animal dander, mold and dust mites. In most cases, the benefits of immunotherapy outweigh the possible side effects. Understand the symptoms of life-threatening reactions to allergy shots and report them to your doctor immediately.
