Allergy shots, also known as allergy immunotherapy (AIT), are a treatment plan designed to reduce the body’s immune response to specific allergens. This treatment helps minimize the body’s sensitivity to an allergen by reducing the production of the “blocking” antibody responsible for creating the symptoms.

But how effective are allergy shots? Allergy shots have been around for over a century and have been proven effective in eliminating irritating allergy symptoms. In this article, we’ll explore the efficacy of allergy shots in more detail and discuss their benefits.

Understanding Allergies

Allergies are simply reactions in the body to foreign substances, like pet dander, bee venom, or pollen. When you have an allergy to something, your body triggers a response after exposure to that particular substance.  

Your body’s built-in defense system, called the immune system, produces antibodies, blood proteins that counteract a specific antigen. When you’re allergic to something and are exposed to it, your body produces antibodies that identify the substance as harmful, even though it isn’t.

The reaction triggers various symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Some people may experience mild discomfort, like itchy eyes and a scratchy throat. Others may experience severe symptoms, such as anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Regardless of age, anyone can have an allergy, but some families have a higher chance of developing them.

What is an Allergy Shot?

An allergy shot falls under allergy immunotherapy (AIT), a treatment designed to reduce the body’s immune response to specific allergens. The treatment helps minimize the body’s sensitivity to an allergen by reducing the production of the “blocking” antibody responsible for creating the symptoms.

It works by administering minuscule doses of the allergen underneath your skin via an injection. Over time, your dosage will incrementally increase, helping your body reduce sensitivity to the allergen.

Allergy shots are designed to work on various allergies, from pet dander to pollen. Availability for allergy immunotherapy allergen targets can vary based on the type of immunotherapy you choose, but allergy shots have the broadest range of options.

Conversely, allergy drops and sublingual tablets don’t address as wide of a range but can still be effective ways to combat an allergy and its pesky symptoms.

Benefits of Allergy Shots

The benefits of allergy immunotherapy are diverse and remarkable. For one, allergy immunotherapy can significantly reduce the symptoms associated with many allergies, enabling you to enjoy things without discomfort, even when exposed to allergens.

After undergoing allergy immunotherapy, you can enjoy spending time with your dogs and cats symptom-free. Or, you can enjoy sleeping on the grass for Sunday picnics without worrying about taking allergy medications.

Moreover, allergy shots may also help prevent new allergies and slow the progression of allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis or asthma in children.

The Efficacy of Allergy Shots

Allergy immunotherapy is far from new. This treatment plan has been around for much longer than many think, as it was initially introduced in 1911 by Leonard Noon and John Freeman as allergen desensitization or hypo-sensitization.

In the years following its introduction, countless researchers have examined its perks and efficacy, proving repeatedly that allergy immunotherapy can be a viable avenue to eliminate irritating allergy symptoms.

Dozens of research and clinical trials have proven the efficacy of immunotherapy. For example, several trials demonstrated the remarkable effectiveness of repeated subcutaneous injections to help achieve an allergen-specific tolerance. This tolerance holds up for years, offering clinical benefits even beyond the final injection.

Numerous studies further build on the foundation established decades ago. One study examined allergy immunotherapy (AIT) treated individuals versus a control group. The study discovered that the treated group was consistently associated with substantial reductions in allergic rhinitis and asthma prescriptions than the control group. The same study found that the AIT-treated group had a higher likelihood of stepping down asthma treatment.

The findings reverberate in many other studies and trials conducted throughout the years, establishing a theme of success for countless people with allergies. Of course, each person may react differently to the treatment, so success rates and timelines for experiencing the results may vary.

How Effective Are Allergy Shots for Cats?

If you have a furry, four-legged friend, you might question the efficacy of allergy shots for your cat allergy. Allergy immunotherapy works great for other allergies, but how effective are allergy shots for cat allergies? Highly effective!

They can make a difference in your experiences with your cats, helping you enjoy their company without annoying allergies. While it can take a while to build a tolerance, allergy immunotherapy can be quite effective for cat allergies.

How Effective Are Allergy Shots for Dogs?

If you prefer dogs to cats or enjoy the company of both, you might be asking the same question, but with dogs – how effective are allergy shots for dogs? Like the answer to allergy immunotherapy for cats, allergy shots can effectively combat dog allergies.

So, if you love having dogs around but your allergies prevent it, allergy immunotherapy might be the perfect solution!

Closing Thoughts

Allergy shots have been around for over a century and have been proven effective in eliminating irritating allergy symptoms. Allergy immunotherapy can significantly reduce the symptoms of many allergies, enabling you to enjoy things without discomfort, even when exposed to allergens.

Moreover, allergy shots may also help prevent new allergies and slow the progression of allergic diseases. Numerous studies have established a theme of success for countless people with allergies, but it’s important to remember that everyone is different, so the timeline for results may vary. If you suffer from allergies, it’s worth discussing allergy shots with your doctor to see if they may be viable.