About Allergies: Allergy Shots: The Only Cure for Allergies

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Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies Allergy shots, also known as subcutaneous immunotherapy, have been used for over 100 years for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, allergic asthma, and more recently for atopic dermatitis (Allergy shots are also used for venom allergy, but not for food allergies). Immunotherapy is the only treatment for allergies that can effectively cure, or at least significantly reduce, the symptoms of allergies. All About Allergy Shots Allergy shots involve the administration of the substance a person is allergic to (such as pollens, pet dander, molds and dust mites), which would seem to worsen allergy symptoms. When allergens are administered in an injection form under the skin, however, the body treats the allergens more like a vaccine. Therefore, allergic reactions don't occur and allergic symptoms don't happen - at least as much as before allergy shots. Search Related Topics:  allergy shots  allergy drops  allergy treatment Allergy Shot Basics When medications fail to adequately control allergy symptoms and avoidance of the trigger is not easy or possible, an allergist may recommend immunotherapy or "allergy shots". This treatment consists of a series of injections containing small amounts of the substances to which a person is allergic. After a course of allergy shots, 80 to 90 percent of patients have less allergy symptoms, and in many cases their allergies have completely resolved. Allergy shots can be given for allergic rhino-conjunctivitis (nose and eyes), allergic asthma and insect sting allergies. Search Related Topics:  hayfever  skin testing  antihistamines Allergy Shots or Allergy Drops? Allergy drops, or sublingual immunotherapy, are becoming increasingly available in the United States as an alternative to allergy shots for the treatment of allergies. This therapy has been used safely and effectively in Europe for many years -- but has not become popular in the United States until recently. Some people, therefore, may be given a choice between allergy drops and traditional allergy shots. Here are some comparison points between the two different therapies to consider when making a decision. Search Related Topics:  allergies  allergist  allergy testing Related Searches Hayfever Allergies Seasonal Allergies Allergies Cough Allergies Symptoms Cold or Allergies Featured Articles Common Allergy Issues in Children Food Allergies Allergies in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Drug and Latex Allergies Insect Allergies Anaphylaxis   More from About.com The Perfect Engagement Ring How to find a gorgeous ring with a style and price that suit your needs. Read more...> Best U.S. Destinations Experts pick the top U.S. destinations for 2013 based on budget, special events, and more. Read more...> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2012 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies   Follow me on: Advertisement