Immunotherapy, commonly called allergy shots, is a safe and effective treatment  of many allergic symptoms to inhaled  allergens. The decision to use this therapy is based on the patient's particular symptoms, allergic sensitivities and response to other treatments.

Immunotherapy in conjunction with environmental control measures is an important aspect in the long-term management  of allergy symptoms. The following information is intended to answer commonly asked questions regarding allergy injection therpy.

• What is Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots)?
• How do allergy shots work?
• How often are allergy injections given?
• What are the side effects of allergy shots?
• Can allergy shots be given during pregnancy?
• Are allergy medications continued while on allergy shots?
• How effective are allergy shots?
• Are there any contraindications to receiving allergy shots?
• Can allergy injections be given at home?

• What is immunotherapy (Allergy Shots)?

Immunotherapy, often called allergy shots, is a  treatment program designed to reduce allergic sensitivity to environmental allergens such as pollens, molds, house dust mites, stinging insect venoms and animal dander, so that exposure to these substances will result in fewer symptoms.

• How do allergy shots work?

Allergy injections help people develop tolerance to allergens they are allergic to. The exact mechanisms are  incompletely understood, although some studies indicate that allergy shots stimulate production of blocking or  protective antibodies by the immune system which lead to a gradual decrease in allergy antibody levels. These changes may permit you to tolerate exposure to allergens with fewer symptoms. In effect, you become "immune" to the allergens.

• How often are allergy injections given?

Allergy injections begin with very dilute  mixtures of allergy extracts. Injections are generally given on a weekly basis until a maintenance dose is reached. It generally takes 6 to 7 months to reach a maintenance dose at which time injections are tapered to every 2 to 4 week intervals. Allergy injection therapy is generally continued for a period of 4 to 5 years.

• What are the side effects of allergy shots?

Since allergy injections contain materials to  which patients are allergic, it is possible that patients will  experience reactions to allergy injections. The most common reaction is a local reaction consisting of redness, swelling and itching at the site of the injection. This reaction is similar to the skin test reaction and generally resolves in a few hours. Local reactions usually occur within 20 minutes of the injection but may occur later.

Rarely, more serious systemic reactions may  occur. These reactions usually occur within 20 to 30 minutes and may  consist of itchy eyes, itchy ears and throat, coughing, chest or throat tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath, sneezing, hives and faintness.

Since systemic reactions can be serious and  require immediate treatment, allergy shots should always be given in a medical facility and patients should wait at least 20 minutes after an injection so that any reactions may be treated immediately.

• Can allergy shots be given during pregnancy?

Women receiving maintenance immunotherapy without  difficulty can continue allergy injections during pregnancy. It may  be necessary to receive allergy injections more frequently to better control allergy symptoms since medications are generally avoided during pregnancy. Allergy shots are not begun during pregnancy.

• Are allergy medications continued while on allergy  shots?

During the build-up phase of immunotherapy, it is  generally necessary to continue medication for relief of allergy  symptoms. It may take several months for allergy shots to start working. Once allergy shots begin to take  effect, allergy medication can often be reduced or discontinued.

• How effective are allergy shots?

Many studies have found allergy shots to be  effective in controlling allergic rhinitis (hayfever) in about 80% of patients. The response rates in asthma are somwhat lower as asthma is associated with both allergic and nonallergic triggers.

• Are there any contraindications to receiving allergy shots?

Allergy injections should not be given to  patients receiving beta blocker therapy. Beta blockers are medications  often used to treat high blood pressure, irregular heart beat, and migraines. These medications increase the likelihood of a severe reaction to allergy shots and hamper the effectiveness of medications used to treat systemic allergic reactions. Be sure to advise doctors and/or nurses administering allergy injections of any new medicines you are taking.

• Can allergy injections be given at home?

Since allergy injections are occasionally  associated with systemic allergic reactions requiring medical treatment, it  is essential that allergy shots be given in a medical facilitity.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES CAN ALLERGY SHOTS BE  GIVEN AT HOME. Should symptoms of a systemic reaction occur after leaving the office, emergency treatment should be sought WITHOUT DELAY either at a doctor's office or the nearest medical facility.