Allergy Shots

Thursday, June 13, 2002

 

All this week, we’ve discussed allergies and their treatment. In today’s Sixty Second Housecall, Dr. Ken Davis talks about one alternative—allergy shots.

 

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. Give allergies your best shot. Log on to wtva.com and click on Sixty Second Housecall. For North Mississippi Medical Center, I’m Dr. Ken Davis.

 

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says allergy shots can help when your symptoms are moderate to severe, occur more than two to three months a year, don't respond well to medications and involve an allergen that is not easily avoided.