Tired of constant allergies? Let's talk about allergy shots!

Constant sneezing, itchy eyes, itchy skin... This allergy problem is endless, isn't it? When you take medicine, it subsides for a while, but then it comes back again. Taking medicine like this for a lifetime is also very annoying. Have you heard of a way to get long-term relief from an allergy like this? That's what we call 'Allergy Shots'. Although this is a bit of a long-term treatment, it is a very effective way to get rid of frequent allergies.

Simply put, what are allergy shots?

Allergy shots are a series of injections given over a long period of time that help you reduce or completely prevent allergy symptoms.

Imagine, our body's defense system, the immune system, mistakenly perceives some harmless things (like dust, pollen, for example) as a big enemy, and we get allergies. We call these things 'allergens' . An allergy shot contains a very small amount of that allergen that you are allergic to.

Simply put, it's like training your body. You gradually, starting with very small amounts, introduce the allergen to your body. Over time, your body stops responding to the allergen as if it were an 'enemy' and learns to accept it as normal. In other words, it stops fighting it and becomes friends with it. This process is medically known as allergen immunotherapy or subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) .

Can this injection be given for every allergy?

No. This treatment is not suitable for all types of allergies. It is only successfully used for two main types of allergies. You will understand this clearly when you look at the table below.

How does this treatment work? What are the stages?

Before starting this treatment, your doctor will do some tests to find out exactly what you are allergic to. This can be a skin test or a blood test. Only then will the injections begin. This entire treatment consists of two main stages.

1. Buildup phase: This is the first period. During this time, you will receive an injection once or twice a week. This will take about 6 to 10 months. This involves starting with a very low dose of the allergen and gradually increasing the dose. This is done until your body gets used to it.

2. Maintenance phase: This phase begins after the body has become somewhat accustomed to the allergen. Here, the frequency of injections is reduced. Usually, an injection is given about once a month . This phase may last for 3 to 5 years, or even longer.

The injection is usually given in the upper arm. Sometimes it can also be given in the thigh or hip.

What can happen after the injection?

Usually it's not a big problem. However, sometimes some reactions can occur. That's why they say to wait 30 minutes.

Avoid these things after the injection

Avoid exercising, running, or taking hot baths for two hours after the injection. These things increase blood flow to the body, which can allow the allergen in the injection to spread throughout the body more quickly. It may not cause any serious harm, but it's still a good idea to be careful.

Are there any cases where this treatment should not be taken?

Yes, there are some cases where it is not appropriate to take this injection. Your doctor will inform you about this.

• If you have a fever (over 37.7 Celsius), a cold, or a flu-like condition, do not get the injection. Talk to your doctor and reschedule.
• If you have a sudden asthma attack, taking the injection may worsen your asthma symptoms.
• If you are taking a type of medication called beta-blockersYou need to be especially careful about this. These are medications that are usually given for high blood pressure and heart disease. If you take these medications, the life-saving injection called epinephrine, which is given in case of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) mentioned earlier, may not work. Therefore, if you are taking these medications, you should definitely talk to your doctor before starting allergy shots.

How long does it take to see results? Is this effective?

This is something that requires a little patience. You can't just give an injection today and expect your allergy to be better tomorrow.

Most people start to notice a reduction in their symptoms between 6 and 8 months , and it can take up to a year to see full results.

Some people are afraid of needles, right? We call that trypanophobia . But don't be afraid, this injection uses a very thin, small needle. So you don't feel much pain.

When do you need to see a doctor?

During treatment, inform your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• If your allergy symptoms do not improve or get worse after several months of treatment.
• If you experience any unusual symptoms (e.g., body aches, difficulty breathing) after receiving the injection, go home.
• If you cannot come for your injection on the scheduled date, please let us know in advance.
• If you have any questions or concerns about this treatment.

This treatment can be a bit expensive and time-consuming. But it is much more worthwhile to go for a long-term solution like this than to suffer from allergies every now and then. Your doctor is the best person to decide whether this is right for you. Talk to him or her and choose the best solution for your allergy condition.