Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, are a medical procedure that involves making the body insensitive to not overreact to certain allergens. They are given small amounts of the substance to cause discomfort by injection to stimulate the immune system gradually. As the weeks and months will increase the amount of allergens in gradually.
It is not yet clear how the allergy shots, but it is estimated that the treatment stimulates an immune response against allergens other, which is more comfortable than traditional allergic response. The vaccines do not provide immediate relief, but may be a good long term solution if they work well. Many people have managed to reverse the symptoms of allergy after completion of treatment (3 to 5 years) with allergy shots.
It may take six months to a year before symptoms begin to disappear. For those who respond to treatment, allergy shots can significantly reduce the intensity and frequency of symptoms. However, in some cases, it may not produce any effect or the results are minimal, even after completing a year of treatment.
Generally, vaccines are recommended in patients with severe allergic symptoms unresponsive to usual medications or who have significant side effects to the medication prescribed. Other possible candidates may be those who have disorders in their daily lives because of allergies or those who may run the risk of death from this condition, for example, those who experience asthma attacks or severe allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis. Vaccines may also be used to reduce the intensity of the reactions to insect stings.
Not all allergies can be treated with vaccines. Generally, no food allergies are treated with vaccines, since the allergic reaction caused by food (anaphylaxis) increases the risk level of the injections, even when given low doses of antigens in vaccines. Avoid eating foods that cause allergy is a more effective strategy.