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Allergies are how your body's immune system responds to certain substances (allergens). When the immune system encounters a foreign substance (allergen) that it thinks could cause bodily harm, it wages war to fight the invasion. As a by-product of the response, your body releases histamine (a chemical) that causes common allergic symptoms (runny nose, itchy eyes, hives, chest tightness, etc.). In more severe cases, this allergic reaction can involve the throat, chest, and heart (anaphylaxis).
Allergy shots work to decrease your body's sensitivity to these allergens. By slowly increasing your exposure to the foreign substance (in very small amounts), the idea is to re-train your body against reacting to it. Many people experience relief from allergy shots for their seasonal allergies (dust, molds, etc.).
It's best to contact your primary care physician and/or allergist if you have more questions about specific allergies.
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How can you prevent your allergies?
This may not PREVENT allergies, but maybe allergy shots may stop them for good. It may work if you take it once per month.
Are there shots you can get to cure your dog allergy?
Allergy specialists can give you medications and injections that will possibly help to desensitize you and reduce the effects of the allergic response. These don't always work and can be expensive, however. There are also breeds of dogs known to cause less or more of a problem for those with allergies. See the related question below for more detail.
Are allergy shots something I should consider for my son?
The allergy shots are designed to work like vaccinations. It slowly exposes your body to your allergy thus making you more immune to it. So it is very much worth it to get these shots.
Can you prevent allergies?
Since some allergies can be controlled by the environment/climate you live in, in that sense you can. For example, a person moves to the Northwest and develops allergies they never had in Arizona. Other than that, you can get allergy shots but those are not recommended unless the allergy is extremely severe or an absolute pain in the neck on a day to day basis and even then are not a 100% guarantee to work. Medications like Zyrtec can be taken to suppress allergies, but it doesn't make them go away entirely. You can prevent 'attacks' resulting from allergies by just being cautious and smart. Just taking care to not come in contact with the things you are allergic to is probably your best bet.
Of you that have had your toddler start allergy shots have they been worth it does it work?
I started allergy shots when I was seven. It took two or three years for me to start noticing a difference, but then they worked wonders. Before I started them my allergies were so bad sometimes it was like I was actually sick. Just five years later I barely got congested and, though, when I started the shots I was allergic to dogs, I could actually own one. They really hurt A LOT less than a flu shot or something similar and they are totally worth it. It's also best to start young because then it starts working quicker. Your toddler will complain about them and probably won't like them or want to do it, but it's so much better to get shots and be allergy free.
Is it possible to get rid of family allergies and dust allergies?
Yes, When they're 13 It might not happen though :(
What are some non-prescription allergy treatments?
There are many different over the counter type drugs that will work with your allergies. Ranging from mild treatment to heavy allergies. You can go to your local drug store to see a large list.
What is a treatment of allergies?
The treatment of allergies typically involves a combination of allergen avoidance, medications, and, in some cases, allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergy shots). The specific approach to treating allergies can vary based on the type and severity of allergies. Here's an overview of common allergy treatments: Allergen Avoidance: The first and most crucial step in managing allergies is to identify and avoid allergens that trigger your symptoms. This may involve making changes in your environment, such as using air purifiers, keeping windows closed, and removing potential allergen sources. Medications: Antihistamines: Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines can help relieve symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Decongestants: Decongestants can help alleviate nasal congestion, but they should be used with caution and under a doctor's guidance to avoid rebound congestion. Corticosteroids: Topical or oral corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms for more severe allergic reactions. Mast Cell Stabilizers: These medications can help prevent allergic reactions by stabilizing mast cells and reducing the release of histamine. Leukotriene Inhibitors: These are used to manage allergic rhinitis and asthma by blocking the action of leukotrienes, which contribute to inflammation. Allergen Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots): For individuals with severe allergies that do not respond well to medications or allergen avoidance, allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be recommended. This treatment involves gradually exposing the person to small, controlled amounts of the allergen to build up tolerance over time. Allergy shots are typically administered under medical supervision. Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): This is an alternative to allergy shots where allergen extracts are placed under the tongue and absorbed through the mucous membranes. SLIT is often used for specific allergies like grass or ragweed. Nasal Rinses: Saline nasal rinses can help remove allergens and mucus from the nasal passages, providing relief for nasal allergy symptoms. Emergency Epinephrine: Individuals with severe allergic reactions, such as those triggered by insect stings or certain foods, may need to carry an epinephrine auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen) for emergency use. This is a life-saving measure. Lifestyle Modifications: Simple lifestyle changes like keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons, using allergen-proof covers on bedding, and maintaining good hygiene can help manage allergies. It's essential to work with a healthcare professional, such as an allergist or immunologist, to develop a personalized allergy treatment plan. They can conduct allergy testing to identify specific triggers and recommend appropriate treatments based on your individual needs. Additionally, always follow your healthcare provider's guidance and use prescribed medications as directed to effectively manage your allergies and reduce the risk of severe reactions.
Allergy shots?
Alternate NamesAllergy injections; Allergen immunotherapyWhat Are Allergy Shots?An allergy shot is a when a very small amount of an allergen (such as mold spore, dust mite, animal dander, pollen, or venom from an insect) is injected into your body. A doctor or nurse will give you shots during several visits over the course of 3 - 5 years. A series of allergy shots may help to reduce your allergy symptoms.First, you will need to work with your doctor to identify which allergens are causing your symptoms. This may be done through allergy skin testing or blood tests. Your doctor will include only the allergens you are allergic to in your allergy shots.Allergy shots are just one part of an allergy treatment plan. You may also take allergy medications while having allergy shots. Your doctor may recommend that you reduce your exposure to allergens as well.How Do They Work?Allergy symptoms occur when your immune system tries to attack the allergen in the body. When this happens, your body creates mucus. This can cause bothersome symptoms in the nose, eyes, and lungs.Allergy shots are also called "immunotherapy" since they work with the immune system. When a small amount of the allergen is injected into the body, the immune system makes an "antibody" that blocks the allergen from causing symptoms.After several months of injections of a specific allergen(s) known to cause some of your symptoms, you may feel relief of some or all of your symptoms. The relief of symptoms can last several years. For some patients, allergy shots can prevent new allergies and help asthma symptoms.Who Can Benefit from Allergy Shots?People with well-controlled allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and insect bite sensitivity can benefit from targeted allergy shots. Patients with eczema (a skin condition) caused by dust mite allergy may also benefit from allergy shots.Allergy shots are effective for these common allergens:Weed and tree pollenGrassMold or fungiAnimal danderDust mitesInsect stingsAdults, including the elderly, as well as children may receive allergy shots.People with severe asthma or heart conditions are generally not good candidates for allergy shots. If you take medications, such as ACE inhibitors or beta blockers, you should discuss the risks of allergy shots with your doctor. Pregnant women should not begin allergy shots, but they may be able to continue allergy shot treatment that has already started.Food allergies are not treated with allergy shots.Getting Your Allergy ShotsAllergy shots are typically given in your doctor's office about 1 - 3 times per week for 3 - 6 months. This is called the "build up" phase. Additional doses are given for 3 - 5 years every 4 - 6 weeks. This is called the "maintenance" phase. The shot is usually given in the upper arm area.Keep in mind that many visits are needed to feel the full effects of this treatment. Your doctor will assess your symptoms on occasion to help decide when you can stop your allergy shot treatment.Side Effects of Allergy ShotsAn allergy shot may cause a reaction on the skin (such as redness, swelling, and itching) or a mild nasal stuffiness or runny nose.Though rare, it can also cause a severe life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. As a result:You may need to stay in your doctor's office for 30 minutes after your shot to check for a reaction.You may be asked to take an antihistamine or other medication before your allergy shot appointment.Reactions to allergy shots can be treated in your doctor's office right away.When to Call the DoctorYou continue to have symptoms after several months of allergy shots.You have questions or concerns about the allergy shots and/or your symptoms.You are having trouble keeping appointments for your allergy shots.ReferencesSur DK, Scandale S. Treatment of allergic rhinitis. Am Fam Physician. 2010 Jun 15;81(12):1440-6.Cox L, Nelson H, Lockey R, Calabria C, Chacko T, Finegold I, Nelson M, Weber R, Bernstein DI, Blessing-Moore J, Khan DA, Lang DM, Nicklas RA, Oppenheimer J, Portnoy JM, Randolph C, Schuller DE, Spector SL, Tilles S, Wallace D. Allergen immunotherapy: a practice parameter third update. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2011 Jan;127(1 Suppl):S1-55.Frew AJ. Allergen immunotherapy. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010 Feb;125(2 Suppl 2):S306-13. Review. PubMed PMID: 20176266.Reviewed ByReview Date: 10/27/2011Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
What part of the body is tested for skin allergies?
It depends on what type of allergy you have. If you have hay-fever it will most likely effect your eyes and give you a runny nose. If you have an allergy for nuts it usually effects your tongue and makes it swell up. The way allergies work can vary from person to person. Some people have skin reactions like bumps, rashes, and whelps. They can also make your nose, eyes, and throat itch. Sometimes a person's throat can swell and close shut. The eyes can do the same thing, swell shut. So, allergies can have effects on every party of the body, depending on what kind of allergy it is.
What are some non-invasive treatments for allergies to dogs?
The most common resolution an allergy to dogs is to use over the counter allergy medicine. Many available examples include Benadryl, Zyrtec-D, and Claritin. Most of the medicines work 24 hours and prevent many of the symptoms associated with pet allergies such as runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing and congestion. Some non-invasive treatments for allergies to dogs is to avoid any contact between the dog and the allergic substance. Then you should take your dogs out to fresh air and if that doesn't work, you should take your dog to a vet.
Can you use levocetrizine for cold?
This is more of an antihistimine type of medication, it also helps with allergies and hayfever. It probably won't work for a cold or cold sore. Colds and colds sores are caused by viruses.
