Allergy shots work by exposing a patient to small amounts of allergens over time to help their immune system build up a tolerance to the allergens. This gradual exposure to the allergen helps the body to become less sensitive to it over time, reducing or eliminating allergic reactions.
What is the Process for Diagnosing and Treating Allergies?
Allergy testing
Before starting allergy shots, a doctor will perform an allergy test to determine which allergens are triggering the person’s allergic reactions. This is often done with a skin testing, bloodwork, or patch test. Your doctor will work with you to determine which testing method is best for your severity of allergies.
Customized treatment plan
Based on the results of the allergy test, a doctor will develop a customized treatment plan that includes gradually increasing doses of the allergens that are causing your allergic reaction. This plan may include over the counter medication, prescription medication, or allergy shots.
Shots
The patient will receive regular allergy shots, usually once or twice a week at the start of the treatment, and gradually decreasing over time. Each shot contains a small amount of the allergen that the person is allergic to.
Gradual Increase in Dose
The dose of the allergen in the shots will gradually increase over time, as the person’s immune system becomes more tolerant to the allergen. This will help the body to learn to defend against the allergen.
Maintenance Phase
After a few months of receiving the shots, the person will reach a maintenance dose. This is the highest dose of the allergen that the person can tolerate without having an allergic reaction.
Continued Treatment
The person will continue to receive regular allergy shots at the maintenance dose for three to five years or longer, depending on their individual response to the treatment.
Allergy shots can be an effective long-term treatment for allergies, reducing or eliminating symptoms and improving quality of life. However, allergy shots are not a quick fix, and the treatment process can take several years to complete.
How Long Do Allergy Shots Last?
The length of time that allergy shots last can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their allergies. In general, the benefits of allergy shots can last for many years, and some people may experience long-term relief from allergy symptoms even after the treatment has stopped.
After completing a full course of allergy shots, which typically takes 3-5 years, some people may be able to stop the shots and maintain their tolerance to the allergen. However, others may need to continue receiving maintenance shots to keep their allergy symptoms under control.
It’s important to note that while allergy shots can be highly effective for many people, they may not work for everyone. Additionally, allergy shots may not be appropriate for individuals with certain medical conditions or those taking certain medications.
If you are considering allergy shots as a treatment option, it’s essential to talk to your doctor to determine if they are right for you. Your doctor can help you develop a personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs and can monitor your progress throughout the treatment process.
Do Allergies Ever Go Away?
Yes, in some cases, allergies can go away on their own. However, this depends on the type of allergy and the individual.
For example, some children may outgrow certain food allergies, such as allergies to milk, eggs, wheat, or soy, as their immune systems mature. Similarly, seasonal allergies, such as hay fever or pollen allergies, may improve or disappear over time as the body develops tolerance to the allergen or the individual moves to a different geographic location where they are no longer exposed to the allergen.
However, some allergies, such as allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, or insect stings, typically persist throughout life and can even become more severe with continued exposure. In these cases, it’s essential to work with a healthcare professional to manage the allergy and reduce the risk of potentially life-threatening reactions.
It’s important to note that allergies can also change over time, meaning that a person who was once allergic to a particular substance may no longer be sensitive to it, or vice versa. Therefore, if you have allergies, it’s essential to work with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment and management for your individual situation.
Best Family Medicine Clinic in Houston
At Supreme Medical Center we believe a happy life begins with a healthy body and mind. Our goal is to ensure each one of our patients reaches their goals by eliminating medical concerns and issues that have the potential to stand in their way with quality preventive care and treatment.
We work with our patients to ensure they are being heard and are treated with respect and care. Schedule an appointment with our team today to learn how Supreme Medical Center stands out from the other medical groups you have worked with.
Supreme Medical Center
350 N Sam Houston Pkwy E
Suite B240
Houston, TX 77060
281-809-5470
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