A very small amount of the substance that you are allergic to (known as an allergen) is contained by an allergy shot. Pollen and mold from trees, grasses, and ragweed are the most common allergens. Hence, for example, a small amount of grass pollen will be put into the shot if you are allergic to grass pollen.
You body is helped fight the allergens by the use of allergy shots. Antibodies to the allergen are made by your body when you get shots of the allergen. These antibodies help block the effects of the allergen the next time you have contact with them. Your allergy symptoms become less severe as a result of the antibodies which block the way your body reacts to the allergen
Allergy shots work pretty effective for the following types of allergies:
- Pollen allergies also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis
- Eye allergies,
- Bee-sting allergies
- Some drug allergies
Furthermore, allergy shots can improve asthma symptoms in some people.
Allergy shots are usually suggested by the doctors after when other treatments such as avoiding allergens and taking medicine (such as antihistamine) have been tried on you and they did not work.
Not everyone can get allergy shots though. They may not be good for those who are suffering from heart problems and severe asthma. Anyone getting beta blocker for heart problems should not get allergy shots.
Allergy shots are not given to the women who are pregnant. For those who have been taking allergy shots for some time and get pregnant, talking to their doctors is strictly advised. |
