An allergy can be described as a reaction of a person’s immune system to foreign substances. That could be dander from pets, pollen, or even some types of food. Allergic reactions occur when the immune system manufactures antibodies in response to exposure to allergens. The antibodies then attack the allergens, having mistakenly identified them as harmful. As a result, the body may experience reactions that inflame the airwaves, the skin, or even the digestive system. People who suffer from allergies can seek temporary relief in antihistamines or consult Dr. Laura Ispas of Allergy Asthma & Immunology Institute for more long-lasting solutions such as allergy shots. Below are some of the merits and demerits of allergy shots.
Merits of Allergy Shots:
Allergy shots are associated with a number of benefits. Some of them include:
Permanent Solution:
Oral antihistamines only provide temporary relief by easing the symptoms of an allergic reaction. On the other hand, allergy shots address the causes of allergic reactions. When the treatment is successful, patients get complete cure because allergy shots treat underlying allergy causes rather than the symptoms.
Cost-effective Cure:
Over-the-counter antihistamines may be less costly than allergy shots in the short run. However, in the long run, allergy shots are less expensive than oral medications. This is because patients relying on oral antihistamine may have to use them throughout their lives, while immunotherapy takes only a few years, and effective treatment can offer permanent relief.
Demerits of Allergy Shots:
Allergy shots come with a number of shortcomings. Some of the demerits of immunotherapy include:
It Does Not Work for All People and on All Allergies:
Although allergy shots are generally effective, they don’t work for everyone. Some people may suffer from unpleasant side effects. Besides, allergy shots do not treat all kinds of allergies. For instance, allergy shots are ineffective when it comes to treating urticaria and food allergies. Urticaria causes chronic hives that are related to underlying diseases such as lupus or hyperthyroidism. Besides, allergies resulting from insect venoms such as spider bites and bee stings cannot be dealt with by allergy shots.
Time Commitment:
Time commitment is one of the main challenges that patients seeking immunotherapy have to contend with. For instance, in the first phase, the shots have to be taken twice per week over a period of up to six months while the second phase of treatment requires shots to be taken two per month and the phase could last for three years or more. Some people may lack the time or consistency needed to make the treatment successful.
The Takeaway:
Overall, it is apparent that unlike oral antihistamines that offer temporary relief, allergy shots seek to provide patients who have allergies with a permanent solution. However, allergy shots may not work well for some people. Besides, they cannot treat all kinds of allergies. All in all, allergy shots are generally effective, and they can offer relief for most patients. If you are looking for a reliable allergist to help you with issues of allergic reactions get in touch with Allergy Asthma & Immunology Institute in Lees burg for more information about the practice.
