Suffering from allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, congestion, watery eyes and sneezing is not only annoying, it can interfere with your quality of life. The good news is an allergy doctor can provide treatment including allergy shots.

Why Have Allergy Shots?

When you are allergic to a certain substance, referred to as an allergen, your immune system is hypertensive to it.  Your immune system reacts as if the substance was harmful even though it is not. The immune response triggers the release of certain chemicals in the body, which causes typical allergy symptoms.

Unlike taking an antihistamine, which may decrease symptoms temporarily, allergy shots are a long-term treatment. Allergy shots involve injecting a small amount of the allergen into the body repeatedly over the course of months. The goal is to decrease person’s sensitivity to the substance.

How Allergy Shots Work  

Allergy shots may be given once or twice a week over the course of a few months. The level of the allergen is gradually increased in order for you to build up a tolerance to the substance. This tolerance or decreased sensitively often decreases allergy symptoms. After the buildup phase is reached and decreased sensitivity has been achieved, maintenance shots are often administered every few months. Your allergist will determine the best schedule depending on what you are allergic to and your symptoms.

Side Effects of Allergy Shots

Allergy shots are considered safe and serious side effects are uncommon. Redness at the injection site or swelling may occur in some people. Although rare, systemic reactions including wheezing or chest tightness are possible. Your allergy doctor will monitor you after the shot to make sure you do not have a serious reaction.

Allergy symptoms can interfere with your day to day life and make you miserable. Medications can help, but in some cases, it is not the best treatment option. Allergy shots may be a great way to reduce taking allergy medication and be especially helpful if it is impossible to avoid the allergen. For more information or to schedule an appointment with the top allergist in New York City call Dr. Boyan Hadjiev today!