Do you also suffer from seasonal allergies such as pollen, dust, and pet dander? Isn't taking medications and gradually increasing their dosages not helping? Then you're probably already thinking about a treatment called ' Immunotherapy '. Let's see what it really is and whether it can help you.
What exactly are these Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)?
Simply put, this is a wonderful method. It's like training your body. You introduce a very small amount of the thing that causes you to have an allergy, the allergen, into your body. When you do this over time, your body's immune system gets used to that allergen. It gradually starts to tolerate it. This is not an instant cure, but over time it can make a big difference in your allergy symptoms.
Many people are now moving away from prescription drugs and are looking to more natural treatments. This could be a good option for them.
But here's something very important. If you have asthma , you should have your asthma well under control before starting this treatment. Because there is a slight chance that the asthma will worsen as the allergen is introduced into the body.
There are two main types of immunotherapy treatment:
1. Allergy Shots (Injections): This is the most popular and most studied method. You should get this injection at your doctor's office.
2. Sublingual Immunotherapy : This involves placing a tablet under the tongue and letting it dissolve. This method has not been studied as much as allergy shots, and the results have not been proven to be as high. However, if you can take the pill at the right time every day, it can be a good option for some specific allergies (e.g., certain grasses, dust mites).
If you are interested in either of these treatments, the first thing to do is to see an allergist and get tested to find out exactly what you are allergic to.
How often do I need to take this injection?
This is a somewhat long-term process. Based on your test results, the specialist will create a specific injection for you. The treatment takes place in two stages.
| Treatment Phase | How often? (Frequency) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Build-up Phase | Once or twice a week | From 3 to 6 months. During this time, the dose of allergen is gradually increased. |
| Maintenance Phase | Every 2 or 4 weeks | 3 to 5 years. This schedule is followed until symptoms subside. |
After each injection , it is imperative that you stay in the doctor's office for about 30 minutes to make sure you don't have a severe reaction.
How long does it take to get results?
The biggest challenge with this is time. It's not easy to go to the doctor every week for months, and then every month for years. But if you are patient, the results will come.
Symptoms usually begin to decrease within the first year . By the second year, you will feel much better. By the time you are three to five years old, most people will have completely eliminated their allergy symptoms and are able to stop taking the injections.
Imagine, if you haven't seen any improvement after about a year of treatment, talk to your doctor about other treatment options.
Are there any side effects?
Yes, side effects can occur. Because during this treatment, you are given an allergic reaction to your body. But there is nothing to worry about, these are usually minor things.
Common side effects
- Redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site. This will go away in a few hours.
- Some people may experience a slight increase in allergy symptoms such as a runny nose , nasal congestion , or itchy eyes.
Serious side effects to watch out for
This is a very rare event. It is called anaphylaxis . This is a severe allergic reaction that requires emergency treatment.
Anaphylaxis symptoms: hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
This is why you are asked to stay in the doctor's office for 30 minutes after each injection. If a severe reaction occurs, the necessary treatment can be provided there.
The risk of anaphylaxis from sublingual tablets is very low, but they may cause itching or discomfort in the mouth and throat.
How effective is this treatment? And how do you prepare?
If you complete this treatment with patience, there is a very high chance that your allergy symptoms will decrease or disappear completely. About 85% of people with hay fever have recovered from this treatment.
The biggest advantage of this is that instead of suppressing symptoms like other medications, it treats the root cause of the allergy .
Preparation before treatment
- Avoid exercising or doing strenuous work for 2 hours before and 2 hours after the injection. Exercise increases blood flow, which can spread the allergen faster throughout the body.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. Some medications may interfere with this treatment.
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about whether or not to continue this treatment.
After the injection and when to call the doctor
You will usually stay at the doctor's office for 30 minutes after the injection. Make sure there are no side effects. For example, if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a feeling of tightness in the throat, or itchy eyes after you go home, immediately return to the doctor's office or the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
It is normal for the injection site to be red and slightly swollen. This will go away within 4-8 hours.
This treatment can be a bit risky for people with heart or lung conditions and those taking certain medications. So, tell your doctor about your complete health history and all the medications you take . This will help them decide if allergy shots are the best option for you.
Take-Home Message
- Allergy shots are not a quick fix. They are a time-consuming treatment that requires patience and dedication.
- This does not suppress the symptoms, but rather treats the root cause of the allergy.
- If you have asthma, it is essential that it is well controlled before starting this treatment.
- After each injection, you should remain under the doctor's supervision for 30 minutes to check for any severe reactions.
- At any time, talk openly with your doctor about any concerns or doubts you may have.
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