How Do Allergy Shots Help with Allergic Reactions?
Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, work by gradually desensitizing the immune system to specific allergens that trigger allergic reactions. When you receive an allergy shot, small amounts of the allergen are injected into your body. Over time, these controlled doses help the immune system recognize the allergen without overreacting. As the immune system becomes less sensitive to the allergen, the body's allergic responses, such as sneezing, itching, and swelling, are reduced. This process helps minimize the severity of allergic reactions when you are exposed to allergens in the future, leading to long-term relief.
The treatment usually involves two phases: a buildup phase and a maintenance phase. During the buildup phase, the dose of the allergen is increased gradually to stimulate the immune system. Once the optimal dose is reached, the maintenance phase begins, where you will receive regular injections of a fixed dose of the allergen. This ongoing exposure helps the body adjust to the allergen, making future encounters less likely to trigger an intense allergic reaction. Allergy shots are an effective long-term solution for managing allergies by directly targeting the cause rather than just masking the symptoms.
