
At Allergy, Asthma, and Eczema Care in Forest Hills, New York, we offer allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy), a highly effective treatment for patients suffering from allergies. Whether you have year-round allergies or seasonal symptoms, allergy shots can help reduce your sensitivity to allergens and improve your quality of life. Our practice serves patients from Forest Hills and neighboring communities such as Rego Park, Kew Gardens, and Jackson Heights, providing specialized care tailored to your unique allergy needs.
Allergy shots work by gradually desensitizing your immune system to the allergens that trigger your symptoms. This treatment option is ideal for people who have not found relief through other allergy medications or for those looking for long-term relief from allergies. At Allergy, Asthma, and Eczema Care, we offer comprehensive testing and personalized allergy shots that can help you feel better and live more comfortably, even during allergy season.
What Are Allergy Shots (Subcutaneous Immunotherapy)?
Allergy shots, also known as subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), are a form of treatment designed to reduce your body's allergic reaction to specific allergens. The treatment involves receiving small injections of allergens, which are gradually increased over time to help build up your tolerance. The goal is to train your immune system to stop overreacting to these allergens.
- The shots contain small, controlled amounts of allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, or insect venom.
- The doses are increased slowly, allowing your immune system to adjust and become less sensitive.
- Over time, allergy shots help reduce the severity of allergic reactions and may even provide long-term relief, even after the treatment has ended.
Allergy shots are often recommended for patients with persistent allergies that affect their daily life or cause severe reactions.
How Do Allergy Shots Work?
Allergy shots work by gradually exposing your immune system to the allergens that trigger your symptoms. This process helps your body build tolerance to those allergens over time, reducing the intensity of allergic reactions. Here's how the treatment works:
1. Initial phase (Build-up phase): You will start with regular injections that contain small amounts of allergens. These are given once or twice a week for about 3 to 6 months.
2. Maintenance phase: After your body builds some tolerance, the frequency of the injections decreases to once every 2 to 4 weeks. This phase typically lasts 3 to 5 years.
3. Long-term benefits: After completing the full course of treatment, many patients experience long-lasting relief from their allergy symptoms, even without continued injections.
This gradual process helps retrain your immune system to stop overreacting to allergens, providing long-term relief from allergy symptoms.
What Allergies Can Be Treated with Allergy Shots?
Allergy shots are effective for treating many types of allergies, including those triggered by airborne allergens and insect stings. Common allergens treated with allergy shots include:
- Pollen (from trees, grasses, and weeds)
- Dust mites
- Mold spores
- Pet dander (from dogs, cats, and other animals)
- Insect venom (such as bee stings)
- Cockroaches
Allergy shots can also be used to treat seasonal and year-round allergies, depending on the specific allergens causing your symptoms. If you are suffering from one or more of these allergens, allergy shots may be a suitable treatment option.
Are Allergy Shots Safe?
Allergy shots are considered to be a safe and well-established treatment for allergies when administered under the supervision of a trained medical professional. However, as with any medical treatment, there are some risks involved, including:
- Mild reactions such as swelling or redness at the injection site
- More serious reactions (rare), including anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. For this reason, allergy shots are always given in a medical setting where emergency treatment can be provided if needed.
At Allergy, Asthma, and Eczema Care, we take every precaution to ensure your safety during allergy shot treatment. Our experienced medical team closely monitors your condition, especially during the first few injections, to ensure that any potential reactions are managed promptly.
How Do I Prepare for Allergy Shots?
Before starting allergy shot treatment, your doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine which allergens are affecting you. The following steps are typically involved in preparation:
- Allergy testing: Skin tests or blood tests may be done to identify the specific allergens that trigger your symptoms.
- Health assessment: A review of your medical history, including any current health conditions or medications, to ensure that allergy shots are the right treatment for you.
- Scheduling: Your allergy shots will be given in the office, with a short observation period afterward to monitor for any allergic reactions.
Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions for how to prepare for your allergy shots, including advice on medications or precautions you may need to take.
Why Choose Allergy, Asthma, and Eczema Care for Allergy Shots?
At Allergy, Asthma, and Eczema Care in Forest Hills, NY, we specialize in providing subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy shots) to help you manage your allergy symptoms effectively. Whether you suffer from seasonal allergies or year-round triggers, our team is here to guide you through the process of allergy testing, treatment, and long-term relief. We proudly serve patients in Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens, and Jackson Heights, offering personalized care and expertise to help you feel better.
If you're looking for relief from your allergy symptoms and want a safe, effective treatment option, allergy shots may be right for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey toward better allergy management.
Whether you're seeking Allergy Shots (Subcutaneous Immunotherapy), or looking for clarity about what may be triggering your reactions, let Allergy, Asthma, and Eczema Care of Queens be your trusted partner in care.
Experience care that’s personal, proactive, and centered around you.
1. Nelson, H. S. (2020). Allergen Immunotherapy: A Practical Guide for Clinicians. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 146(2), 385-390.
2. Cox, L., et al. (2019). Subcutaneous Immunotherapy for Allergies: Benefits and Risks. Allergy, 74(3), 462-470.
3. Pfaar, O., et al. (2018). Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Allergies: A Review of Evidence and Best Practices. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 197(1), 1-9.
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