Children who suffer from allergies often suffer severe symptoms, despite the use of over-the-counter medications and other products. Some children, however, may be candidates for so-called "allergy shots," a form of therapy that can provide longterm -- and possibly permanent - allergy relief. Immunotherapy can be used to treat allergies to pollen, trees, grasses, weeds, dust mites, cockroaches, dogs, cats, and insect stings. These shots are not available to treat food allergies or chronic urticaria, a type of allergic rash.
Indications
Allergy shots are not recommended for all children. According to the "American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology," doctors may recommend allergy shots if the child has had protracted symptoms of allergy for allergies that are severe and persistent. Children who are unresponsive to medications or who have severe side effects as a result may benefit from these injections. Children should the at least 3 years of age to be eligible for the treatment. Affordability and insurance coverage are other practical concerns -- the shots are expensive and are not always covered by health plans.
How Shots Work
Allergies are a strong and abnormal reaction of the immune system to otherwise harmless substances -- such as pollen, medication, foods, insect bites or pet dander. Allergy shots deliver very small amounts of allergens by injection over a long period of time. The repeated exposure helps to neutralize the allergic response. The shots are delivered in two phases: the buildup phase and the maintenance phase. The buildup phase is done over three to seven months. During this time, injections are given one to three times a week. The maintenance phase continues for several years and shots are given once a month.
Side Effects and Complications
Allergy shots are given regularly over a long period of time. Each injection may cause a reaction at the site of injection that may cause itching, redness or swelling. These can be treated with an antihistamine. Rarely, allergy shots themselves may cause a severe allergic reaction Because of this, the shots should be given in appropriate settings and must be performed by fully trained medical personnel. Children will be asked to wait for a half-hour after the shot is given to monitor for severe reactions, such as hives, chest tightness, difficulty breathing and breathlessness. These indicate a systemic reaction that may need urgent treatment.
Results
Allergy shots don't always work, but for some children, they are the best chance to obtain long-term relief from allergy. About 85 percent of individuals get some form of relief, according to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. For some children, allergy relief may occur during the buildup phase, and for others, this may occur during the maintenance phase. Some children may experience permanent relief of their allergic symptoms; others may have a relapse after several years of allergy-free living. Parents of children who have had little success with allergy shots should consult their doctor regarding other treatment options.
References
- "Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics"; Dr. Robert M. Kliegman, et al.; 2008
- KidsHealth.com: Allergy Shots; William J. Geimeier, MD; July 2009
- American Academy of Asthma and Immunology: Allergy Shots
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: Allergy Clinical Services - Immunotherapy; October 2002
- MayoClinic.com: Allergy Shots; January 22, 2010
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Allergies and Hay Fever; October 25, 2010
