Allergy Shots
Tuesday, May 25, 2004

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says allergy shots can help relieve moderate to severe allergy symptoms. Dr. Ken Davis discusses allergy shots in today’s Sixty Second Housecall.

Some allergy sufferers take shots to help their allergies. An allergic reaction is your body reacting to a certain allergen, or a substance your immune system recognizes as foreign. The immune system can be de-sensitized to these allergens by repeated small exposures.

First, your physician will do careful skin testing to determine what you are allergic to and how strong the immune response is. She may then prescribe shots containing diluted amounts of these allergens. These concentrations will gradually increase as your immune system becomes de-sensitized. Once you tolerate an optimal dose of the allergens, you may get maintenance shots at less frequent intervals. The initial shots are given in the physician’s office to be sure they are tolerated well. After this, you may be taught to give your own shots at home.

Allergy shots are highly effective for allergies to pollens, animal dander and house dust. Shots may not be as effective against allergies to molds or foods.

If you suffer from allergies that are not improved with simple techniques and occasional medications, consider asking your physician about treatment. For North Mississippi Medical Center, I’m Dr. Ken Davis.