Immunotherapy (also called allergy shots) can be used to treat a variety of allergy triggers, such as pet dander and dust mites as well as grass and other pollens. The treatment works like a vaccine, exposing you to tiny (but increasing) amounts of the allergen to build up your immune system’s tolerance to it. Immunotherapy involves once- or twice-weekly visits to the allergist for six to eight months. Then, visits typically spread out to once every two weeks, and then once a month.
1. Prevent asthma – Research shows immunotherapy can prevent the development of asthma, a serious condition that causes chronic inflammation of the airways. That’s especially beneficial for kids with allergies, many of whom go on to develop asthma.
2. Thwart allergies – Immunotherapy can prevent you from developing other allergies.
3. Save money – Many people begin saving money by reducing their medication within a few months of starting immunotherapy, studies show. Allergy shots also save money thanks to fewer doctor and hospital visits.
4. Are well-tolerated – Allergy shots are only minimally uncomfortable. The needle is small and is inserted just under the surface of the skin, not into the muscle.
5. Are safe – When performed under the care of an allergist, studies have shown immunotherapy is safe, even for children, pregnant women and seniors. In very rare cases allergy shots can cause a severe, potentially deadly reaction called anaphylaxis. This is why allergy shots are always given in the allergist’s office and patients stay there for at least 30 minutes.
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