Get Your Allergy Shots in St. Louis, Missouri

Allergy shots, also called subcutaneous immunotherapy, can provide long-term symptom relief in individuals with allergic rhinitis, eye allergies, stinging insect allergies, and allergic asthma. Allergy shots are usually recommended for patients who have not had success with more conservative therapies like antihistamines or corticosteroids, or for patients who cannot tolerate the more conservative medical therapies.

Allergy shots have distinct advantages over allergy medications. Whereas allergy medications treat symptoms and manage inflammation, allergy shots can decrease or eliminate allergic disease. An allergy shot works by decreasing sensitivity to allergens and often provides lasting relief of allergy symptoms even after treatment is stopped. In addition to decreasing symptoms, allergy shots can also prevent the development of new allergies, and prevent the progression of allergic disease from allergic rhinitis to asthma in children.

in St. Louis, Missouri

How Do Allergy Shots Work?

An allergy shot works similar to a vaccine. A particular allergen is introduced in gradually increasing doses, allowing the body to respond by developing immunity or tolerance to the allergen. Allergy shots are administered in two phases:

1. Build-up phase: Shots are administered with increasing amounts of the allergen(s) about 1 or 2 times per week.
2. Maintenance phase: The maintenance phase begins once the therapeutic dose is reached, usually with longer periods of time between treatments. Maintenance is generally continued for 3 to 5 years.

Side Effects of Allergy Shots

If a serious allergy shot reaction does occur, it usually develops within 30 minutes of the injection. For this reason, patients are required to wait in our office for at least 30 minutes after receiving their allergy shot. This also emphasizes the importance of receiving an allergy shot from a board-certified allergist, as an allergist has the proper staff and equipment on hand to identify and treat adverse reactions to the allergy shot.

in St. Louis, Missouri

Are Allergy Shots Right For Me?

Dr. Cajigal can help you determine if allergy shots are right for you or your children. Common considerations include:

• How well medications and environmental controls are helping your allergy symptoms
• Length of allergy season and severity of your symptoms (seasonal allergy shots)
• Your desire to avoid long-term medication use
• Time available to receive the allergy shot
• Cost of allergy shots (insurance coverage can vary by location and provider)

Our Allergy Shot Schedule in St. Louis MO

We hope you’ve found this information helpful. Get in touch with us at St. Louis Family Allergy to learn more about allergy shots! We’re looking forward to your visit.

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