Allergy Shots & the Effects
Allergy shots also are called immunotherapy. They are used to desensitize allergy sufferers to certain allergens, which are substances that trigger allergic reactions. According to Web MD, allergy shots do not cure allergies but they do reduce the severity of the symptoms.
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Allergy shots are given in phases. Patients take allergy shots at least once a week during the buildup phase, which lasts anywhere between three and seven months, as the allergen dose is steadily increased. The shots are given around once a month during the subsequent maintenance phase, which continues for another three to five years.
Benefits
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Allergy sufferers become less sensitive to the effects of the allergens over time. The symptoms improve during the first and second year of immunotherapy, according to the Mayo Clinic. Most people stop suffering allergic reactions by the third year of treatment.
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Considerations
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People occasionally suffer allergic reactions to the shots themselves. The most severe reaction is anaphylaxis, which causes breathing difficulty and low blood pressure. Other reactions include swelling or tightness of the throat or chest, nasal congestion and sneezing. Some people also suffer from localized reactions including redness or swelling at the injection site.
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