Allergy Shots: Effective But Unpopular

Filed in archive Allergy Medications , Allergy: Diagnostics and Treatment , Hay Fever , Living with Allergies , Pet Allergies on March 6, 2007

Although it has been shown that immunotherapy injection is safe and effective for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis, surveys indicate that allergy shots are not a popular option among patients.

But despite their effectiveness, allergy shots are largely ignored by most patients, whom either suffer through the allergy season in silence or pop pills to temporarily ease their misery. A survey by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) shows that two in three people with allergies would never consider getting allergy shots.

Why? It seems that it all boils down to inconvenience. First one has to go through allergy testing to confirm what substances a person is allergic to. Next, the immunotherapy procedure itself may take months to complete, with the patient being required to come for weekly injections. Thus, the outcome isn't immediate, and compared to popping pills, noticeable results may be evident only after several months. And of course, there's the cost to consider, too.

If you have allergies pollen, mold spores, dust mites, cat dander, and insect stings, most likely, immunotherapy shots will help you. Do you have such allergies? Have you had your shots yet? Or are you one of the statistics above?