How Safe Are Allergy Shots?

Allergy shots, also known as Immunotherapy, are becoming increasingly popular. This is due to the fact that they are the only proven long term treatment for people's symptoms. An Allergy shot can help to reduce common allergy symptoms that include itchy or watery eyes, sneezing and breathing difficulties. Although the shots are generally harmless, you should take into account the benefits and risk of this treatment.

Most sufferers will try everything to avoid allergies including changing eating habits, taking vitamin supplements or oral medication. These can help to lower allergy symptoms, but are a short term solution. Immunotherapy on the other hand are more effective because they contain a small quantity of the substance that you are actually allergic to. For instance, if you are allergic to pollen, a small amount of pollen is added to the allergy shot. The amount is just small enough so that you body begins to fight the allergen. The next time you come into contact with pollen, your body will now be familiar with fighting it off.

The vast majority of people will have encouraging results from Immunotherapy, but they are not suitable for everyone. Allergy shots are not suggested for people who are suffering from respiratory problems or asthma. For safety reasons, children under the age of 5 should not be given Immunotherapy.

Allergy shots are an effective treatment for most individuals in helping to eliminate symptoms, but some individuals may experience harmful side effects. These side effects may include an experience of shock when the shot is initially injected, light-headedness and sometimes nausea. For this reason, all doctors are required to keep patients for at least 20 minutes after receiving Immunotherapy in order to ensure the patient's wellbeing.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reported that over a ten year period, 79,593 immunotherapy injections were conducted at the Mayo clinic and that the incidence of adverse reactions to be less than two-tenths of 1 percent. Nearly all of the reactions reported were mild and responded well to immediate medical treatment. There were no fatalities or severe problems. All allergy shots should be carried out by a qualified allergist-immunologist or other physician who is trained in this therapy.

The results show that Immunotherapy provided by a qualified physician, is an effective and safe treatment for many types of allergies. There have been cases of fatalities from an allergy shot, but these remain extremely rare. It is important to speak to your physician if you have any concerns regarding having an allergy shot or if you suffer from heart or asthma problems.