How do I know if I need allergy shots?

08/09/10

If you are able to avoid the trigger of your allergies or if usual doses of medications control your symptoms, then immunotherapy might not be needed. While allergy shots have been proven effective against inhalant allergies and stinging insect allergies, they are not used for food allergies. If any of the following applies to you, then you may be a candidate for allergy shots:

• If the medications to control your symptoms (i.e., antihistamines, decongestants) do not work.
• If the medication used to control your symptoms produces too many side effects.
• If complications (i.e., sinus infections, ear infections) develop. If you have asthma triggered by allergies.
• If you are at risk of developing anaphylaxis (a severe reaction that, in some cases, may be fatal) when exposed to an allergen. (As noted above - allergy shots are not used for food allergy.)
• If medications control your symptoms, but your symptoms flare back up every time you try to reduce your medications.
• If you can't effectively avoid things that trigger your allergies.
• If you would rather take a series of allergy shots than daily medications.
• If you would rather treat the actual problem rather than just use medications to control symptoms.
• If cost of the medications is a burden, allergy shots are very cost effective compared to the use of daily prescription medications over several years.