Side Effects of Allergy Shots

Dr. Hadjiev, one of NYC’s top allergy doctors, often treats patients with allergies by using allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy. These shots are usually considered only after attempts to avoid the allergen, or substance causing the allergic reaction, have been unsuccessful. Sometimes, it’s impossible to avoid ubiquitous allergens, like pollen.

Allergy shots work by regularly exposing a person with allergies to the allergen, or substance causing the allergy. This desensitizes the immune system, which reduces the allergic reaction when the person is exposed to an allergen.

When Dr. Hadjiev treats his patients with immunotherapy, the exposure to the allergen is carefully regulated by scheduling it on a routine basis, with only small amounts of the allergen given to the patient over time, gradually building up the dose.  As a result, the immune system produces blocking antibodies (IgG) and decreases the level of the IgE antibodies that produce allergic reactions.

Allergy shots do have side effects, although they are generally safe and have no long-term complications associated with treatment. Some of the risks of allergy shots include a small chance of an allergic reaction. Some people may have slight swelling or redness at the site of the injection, which occurs immediately or within several hours of injection, but usually resolves within 24 hours.

Other types of allergic symptoms may result from allergy shots, including runny nose, itchy eyes, stuffiness, and sneezing. A more significant risk is the risk of a severe allergic reaction.

Severe allergic reactions can result in wheezing or trouble breathing. When patients have a severe allergic reaction, they may experience chest tightness or a rapid heart beat. Throat tightness may occur, and some patients become dizzy or light-headed, and may faint or lose consciousness. In cases of very severe allergic reactions, death can occur from anaphylaxis. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you consult a top allergy specialist, like Dr. Hadjiev , for treatment with allergy shots. You should stay on schedule when getting allergy shot treatment. A top allergy professional will be sure that you don’t receive too much of the allergen when you get a shot, and you will be monitored to be sure you don’t have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, for at least twenty to thirty minutes after receiving an allergy shot at Dr. Hadjiev’s clinic, one of the top allergy clinics in New York City.

Although the risk of a severe allergic reaction is a rare side effect of allergy shots, Dr. Hadjiev is cautious to avoid this potentially fatal complication, and if it should occur, emergency medical treatment is at hand in our clinic. Call 212.319.5282 today for safe administration of your allergy shot treatments.