Seasonal Allergies : Allergy Shots

by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

(Page 2 of 3)

What should you do if you've tried every drug in the pharmacy and still sneeze from January to December? Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, can offer long-lasting relief for many people.

Getting allergy shots is a long process. Over the span of three to five years, the allergy patient receives a small injection of the offending allergens usually twice a week at first, then less often with larger doses as time goes by. These small doses desensitize the body's immune system to each allergen. After at least six months to a year, the sneezing, itching and hives may begin to subside. After about five years, it's possible for many to stop the shots completely.

"I am more productive, less irritable, and less fatigued since taking allergy shots," says Knoxville, Tenn., resident Beth Crawford, who is allergic to every tree, grass and pollen outdoors, plus dust mites, mold and animal dander indoors. Her allergies occur year-round and have plagued her since childhood.

"Now I have more confidence. I don't have to worry about whether I'm going to have a sneezing attack in public," she says. A clinical social worker, Crawford's job requires occasional public speaking; in addition, she sings in her church's choir. "Now I can sing or give a speech without worrying. I know this sounds silly, but I can get ready in the morning much more quickly because I don't have to spend 30 minutes sneezing. And my husband says we have a substantial savings in Kleenex!"

About a third of patients who get allergy shots are cured after treatment, another third have a partial relapse, and the rest will relapse completely. Those not cured may be helped by resuming the shots.

Another approach to allergy shots is called "rush immunotherapy." Patients spend several days receiving repeated shots to desensitize them against allergens. They then go on the maintenance schedule earlier. Studies have suggested rush immunotherapy can be at least somewhat effective under certain circumstances, but more study is needed to show widespread safety and effectiveness. Currently, no allergen extracts are approved by FDA for this approach.

In the Nose, Not the Head

Allergies can certainly be life-threatening, but for most people they are merely annoying. For many, occasional sneezing, itching and watery eyes is no big deal. Others grow accustomed to the inconvenience and accept it as part of spring or fall, even if their symptoms are more severe.

"It's a quality of life issue," says Ferguson. "It's interesting how impaired people with allergies are. Some are just a little bit, but others have serious effects. I think if you are a productive person, you would want to treat your allergies and be as productive as possible."

"I didn't seek treatment earlier because my allergies had just become a way of life," remembers Crawford. "You just get used to it — I had severe allergies and I didn't even know it. Now I realize how much treatment has improved my quality of life. I should have done it years earlier — it was definitely worth it."

Keep It Clean

You can reduce your allergic misery if you take steps to keep the culprits out of your house.

For seasonal allergies caused by plants and trees, keep windows shut and the air conditioner on. Purchase an air filter to clean out pollens, molds and dust. Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like the basement. Install wood, tile or vinyl floors rather than carpet because they can be mopped regularly. If you do have carpets, have someone else do the vacuuming or buy a machine designed to reduce dust emissions.

Minimize clutter, book collections, and bric-a-brac, which collect dust and pollens. Keep pets outside or bathe them regularly if they're indoors, and don't let them sleep in your bed. Wash your hair every day to rinse off dust and pollen, and if you've been in the yard, leave shoes at the door and wash your clothes in hot water as soon as possible.

Since many hay fever sufferers are also allergic to dust mites, "The most cost effective thing is to buy a mattress cover," advises Berrilyn Ferguson, M.D. Mattress and pillow covers can provide a barrier between you and the dust mites in your bed, where they live and breed. In addition, treat carpets with an anti-allergen spray that kills dust mites.

You won't be able to eliminate every allergen from your home, but with these steps you can make it a comfortable place even during the peak of allergy season.

Over-the-Counter and Through the Pharmacy

Hay fever strikes some 10 to 30 percent of Americans, and more than half of them turn to over-the-counter medications instead of a doctor's prescription to control their symptoms. Pharmacy aisles are crowded with dozens of individual allergy drugs featuring various combinations of the half dozen active ingredients approved by FDA for allergy relief. Given the variety, consumers may find themselves posing some common questions:

About the Author

www.fda.gov
FDA is A United States government body that oversees medical devices, including contact lenses, intraocular lenses, excimer lasers and eyedrops. In the US, these products must be approved by the FDA before they can be marketed.