Many people around the world suffer from multiple types of allergies. Whether they are allergies from bee stings or pet pollen, allergies can be miserable for people to live with. Immunotherapy has shown to be very beneficial when providing allergy relief. The shot therapy can benefit multiple types of sting allergies and environmental allergies. In some cases, a person can completely overcome an allergy after Immunotherapy has been used.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy consists of a treatment with a series of allergy shots. The shots are diluted solutions of whatever allergy a person suffers from. Over time, these shots can decrease a person’s sensitivity to this allergen. When a person's sensitivity to the allergen is decreased his risk of allergic reactions decreases as well. This is very beneficial to people suffering from extreme bee sting allergies.
How it Works
Immunotherapy is a simple process for allergy treatment. Small doses of the allergens are injected underneath the skin, usually in the arm. The shots are normally given once a week for about four to six months. With each shot the allergen dose increases. After the first round of shots the allergen dose remains constant and is injected once every four weeks. This lasts for another four to six months. After the first year of shots has passed, they are then given every six to eight weeks for three to five years.
The Risks
As with most treatments, there are some risks when using Immunotherapy. If done correctly it is considered to be safe. Serious allergic reactions rarely occur but can cause life-threatening reactions. The most common side effect from these shots is swelling and redness around the injection site. This is only temporary and usually only lasts a few hours. The injection site can often feel warm to touch.
Although it rarely happens, serious side effects can occur with Immunotherapy. In extreme cases a person may experience an allergic reaction from the injection. For this reason it is often advised for the patient to remain in the doctor’s office for a few minutes after the shot. These reactions usually cause hives, itching, and swelling at the injection site. But rarely difficulty with breathing has been associated with allergic reactions to these shots.
Immunotherapy shots can be effective in relieving pet and pollen allergies. They can also relieve reactions to honey bees, yellow, jackets, paper wasps, hornets, and even fire ants. For more information of how Immunotherapy can benefit allergies, WebMD.com has very useful information.
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