Types of Allergy Shots in Coral Gables and Palmetto Bay, FL

Allergy shots, also known as allergen immunotherapy or simply immunotherapy, is a form of long-term treatment to decrease allergic symptoms for a variety of conditions including conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis, or allergic asthma. Allergy shots are a cost-effective, beneficial treatment approach for many people because they decrease sensitivity to allergens and often lead to lasting relief of allergy symptoms even after treatment is stopped.

Because the injections only contain purified allergens mixed with saline, allergy shots are the most natural way to treat allergic conditions. The immune system develops tolerance and no longer exhibits an allergic reaction by receiving injections of gradually increasing doses of the allergen. Over time, it can cure allergies.

Allergy shots are proven to be effective in treating several types of allergies, including seasonal allergies like hay fever, as well as year-round allergies to pet dander, dust mites, and mold. This in-office treatment can also be used to help build a resistance to insect bites or stings, including wasp and bee stings. Similar to how vaccines work, allergy shots expose the body to very small amounts of an allergen in gradually increasing doses over time. Different types of allergy shots are given as the body begins to develop a resistance and eventually a tolerance to an allergen. Generally, patients receive two phases of shots:

• Build-Up Allergy Shots — This phase typically lasts 3-6 months and involves administering injections with increasing amounts of allergens. During the build-up phase, it is common for shots to be given once or twice a week; however, schedules vary per patient needs and maybe more frequent.

• Maintenance Allergy Shots — The maintenance phase begins once the appropriate dosage for the patient has been achieved; the most effective dose will vary depending on a few unique factors, such as the type of allergy, the severity of the patient’s allergy, and how they respond to the initial injections. Typically, the injections become more spaced out once the maintenance dose is reached, around 2-4 weeks apart.

Initially, allergy shots are given once or twice a week for several months and are typically injected into the upper arm. It will contain a tiny amount of the allergen causing a reaction in the patient, such as pollen, pet dander, or mold. The dose will go up gradually until the maintenance phase, which involves getting a shot every 2 weeks for the next few months. After this stage, the doctor will gradually increase the time between shots, typically administering them once a month. This may continue for 3-5 years. During that time, allergy symptoms will improve and may even go away completely.

Allergy shots are a safe and effective treatment; however, they are not indicated for use in every situation. They should only be used in people who are at least 5 years old because children below this age may not be able to fully communicate about potential side effects and discomfort. Allergy shots also are not recommended for:

• People who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• People who have heart disease
• People who have severe asthma

Piniella Asthma + Allergy can help you overcome your allergies. Call us today to book an appointment for allergy shots, or visit one of our clinics in Coral Gables, FL, and Palmetto Bay, FL. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Coral Gables FL, Palmetto Bay FL, Westchester FL, Brownsville FL, Kendall FL, Pinecrest FL, Richmond West FL, and Goulds FL.