Many parents are concerned that allergy shots could be unsafe for their children. In fact, many children could likely not only safely receive shots, but could significantly benefit from this form of treatment for allergies. Allergy shots,1 or immunotherapy, can treat much more than hayfever (allergic rhinitis.)
Do allergy shots affect growth?
Use of intranasal steroid medications for allergies causes a small but statistically significant growth reduction in children, an Allegheny Health Network clinical trial has determined, marking the first time such a connection has been shown.
Are allergy shots really necessary?
Allergy shots will probably help you. They are effective for most people and can reduce symptoms if you are allergic to pollens, animal dander, dust mites, mold, or cockroaches. Allergy shots may prevent children with allergic rhinitis from getting asthma. You need to take allergy shots for 3 to 5 years.
How often do you get allergy shots for kids?
At first, your child may need to get allergy shots once a week. Later, he or she may have them once a month. It may take up to a full year of shots before you see any change in your child’s symptoms. The allergy shot may cause mild symptoms.
Do allergy shots have side effects?
Normally, the only side effect that people experience after having an allergy shot is redness or swelling at the site of the injection. This can happen immediately after the injection or a few hours afterward. In some cases, people can experience increased allergy symptoms, such as: sneezing.
What are the side effects of allergy shots?
Normally, the only side effect that people experience after having an allergy shot is redness or swelling at the site of the injection. This can happen immediately after the injection or a few hours afterward….Side effects
- sneezing.
- watery eyes.
- nasal congestion.
- hives.
- rashes.
Why are allergy shots bad for you?
You may develop sneezing, nasal congestion or hives. More-severe reactions may include throat swelling, wheezing or chest tightness. Anaphylaxis is a rare life-threatening reaction to allergy shots. It can cause low blood pressure and trouble breathing.
When should you not get allergy shots?
Most people over the age of 5 can get allergy shots. You should not get them if you have severe asthma or heart problems, or take beta blockers. You also should not get them if you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you have been taking allergy shots for some time and become pregnant.
Do allergy shots weaken the immune system?
In some cases, allergy shots can reduce a body’s immune response. By regularly receiving injections that introduce trace amounts of an allergen into their body, some patients can have their bodies “get used” to an offending agent, meaning that the response is less severe than it would be without a shot.
