by Kristin Bozarth

Created on: June 19, 2008

Allergy injections, also known as allergy immunotherapy, have so far proven to benefit most allergy patients who are being treated properly for the correct allergens. Most of these patients see a reduction in their reactions for respiratory allergies like hay fever and asthma and for allergies to insect bites. Allergy injection treatment is not, however, for everyone with an allergy. The potential benefit for each individual considering allergy injection treatment depends upon the combination of the patient & his environment, the allergy, the treatment plan, and any side effects/reactions he may have to the treatment.

The Correct Patient & His Environment

Allergy injection treatment is not for everyone. Patients generally fit into one of three groups (groups A & C as defined by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology):
Group A consists of adult individuals who have:
(1) asthma, hay fever (allergic rhinitis) or pink eye (conjunctivitis) AND
(2) exposure to an identifiable, unavoidable, air-based allergen (such as pollen, grasses) AND
(3) one of the following:
(a) a poor response or unacceptable side effects to allergy medications,
(b) an inability to avoid the allergen,
(c) a desire to avoid long term dependence on medication,
(d) or symptoms that are present over a majority of the year
Group B consists of adults and children with a stinging insect allergy
Group C consists simply of children aged five and older with allergic rhinitis. Allergy shots have shown such a great potential benefit in preventing the progression of allergies over the lifetime of the individual child, perhaps even preventing asthma in some, that allergy injection treatment is widely recommended. Unlike vaccines for other diseases that are or were based in solutions containing Ethylmercury, allergy injections are based in a simple saline solution (sterile salt water) that exposes no danger to the child over the many treatments.
Children in the womb while their mothers received treatment showed no measurable benefit or harm but women who are pregnant are advised not to begin treatment. Doctors and research agencies disagree on whether a woman who becomes pregnant while receiving treatment should continue her treatment. The injections themselves are not dangerous to the child but if the mother were to have a serious anaphylactic reaction (see side effects section) the baby might be deprived of enough oxygen to cause serious problems. There is no upper age limit to receive treatment

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• Next Page >>