Allergy shots how long

It's this over-reaction of the immune system to "harmless" substances that causes what we call allergies. An allergy-prone immune system is not unlike trying to bug bomb your whole house because of a single housefly instead of simply getting a flyswatter or catching the fly to let it outside.

Allergy shots are effective for many kinds of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis, which mostly impact the nose and eyes. They include:. They can also be used to treat other types of allergies like those that cause hives, anaphylaxis, and allergic asthma such as:. They may also help with some forms of dermatitis, in which the skin responds to being touched by an allergen. Allergy shots are a very precise science that involves a thorough test to determine to which specific substances you have an allergic reaction.

Kumra applies suspected allergens one by one to sections of your skin and then measures your allergic response. He can then formulate an allergy shot to those specifications. Allergy shots have been around for around 50 years and have extensive research to back up their effectiveness. Because immunotherapy teaches your body to have a more measured response to the culprit allergen, the length of time varies based on the severity of the allergey and the pliability of your immune system to learn how to better manage the allergen.

Most patients experience a significant reduction in allergic symptoms within 12 months of initiating therapy, and by three years, many patients no longer have any sensitivity to the substance.

Continued high-level exposure to the allergen during treatment may impact the efficacy of the treatment. For example, if you're getting immunotherapy because you're allergic to cats and you live with a cat, it may take longer for the immunotherapy to work, if at all.

Twelve months may seem like a long time when you're accustomed to taking pills that quickly mask symptoms, but the sooner you start immunotherapy, the sooner you can lose the pills and feel better every day. By continuing to browse this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Review our cookies information for more details. Allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is a form of long-term treatment that decreases symptoms for many people with allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, conjunctivitis eye allergy or stinging insect allergy. Allergy shots decrease sensitivity to allergens and often leads to lasting relief of allergy symptoms even after treatment is stopped.

This makes it a cost-effective, beneficial treatment approach for many people. Both children and adults can receive allergy shots, although it is not typically recommended for children under age five.

This is because of the difficulties younger children may have in cooperating with the program and in articulating any adverse symptoms they may be experiencing. Allergy shots are not used to treat food allergies. The best option for people with food allergies is to strictly avoid that food.

How Do Allergy Shots Work? Allergy shots work like a vaccine. Your body responds to injected amounts of a particular allergen, given in gradually increasing doses, by developing immunity or tolerance to the allergen. This involves receiving injections with increasing amounts of the allergens about one to two times per week. You will need to remain in the doctor's office for 30 minutes after each shot, in case you have a reaction. Allergy symptoms won't stop overnight.

They usually improve during the first year of treatment, but the most noticeable improvement often happens during the second year. By the third year, most people are desensitized to the allergens contained in the shots — and no longer have significant allergic reactions to those substances. After a few years of successful treatment, some people don't have significant allergy problems even after allergy shots are stopped. Other people need ongoing shots to keep symptoms under control. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Allergy shots are regular injections over a period of time — generally around three to five years — to stop or reduce allergy attacks.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Allergy shots immunotherapy. Accessed Jan. Creticos PS. Subcutaneous immunotherapy for allergic disease: Indications and efficacy.