May 2008
If all else fails
ALLERGY SHOTS
Immunotherapy is worth considering if drugs do not adequately control your allergies, sinus infections, or asthma; you don't like the side effects; or you simply want to try to eliminate your dependence on medications. A recent review concluded that allergy shots effectively and safely reduced symptoms and the need for medication. The shots can also prevent asthma in children who have allergies and can help control asthma and sinus infections in people of any age who already have those conditions.
But allergy shots can be costly, time-consuming, and even dangerous for some people. They involve injections of progressively larger doses of one or more offending allergens, weekly or biweekly for the first four months and then monthly for three to five years.
Because of the slight risk of anaphylactic shock, patients have to stay in the doctor's office for a half-hour after each shot. People especially vulnerable to this side effect-including those with kidney failure or heart disease, or uncontrolled asthma, angina, or high blood pressure-should usually avoid the shots.
Immunotherapy is worth considering if drugs do not adequately control your allergies, sinus infections, or asthma; you don't like the side effects; or you simply want to try to eliminate your dependence on medications. A recent review concluded that allergy shots effectively and safely reduced symptoms and the need for medication. The shots can also prevent asthma in children who have allergies and can help control asthma and sinus infections in people of any age who already have those conditions.
But allergy shots can be costly, time-consuming, and even dangerous for some people. They involve injections of progressively larger doses of one or more offending allergens, weekly or biweekly for the first four months and then monthly for three to five years.
Because of the slight risk of anaphylactic shock, patients have to stay in the doctor's office for a half-hour after each shot. People especially vulnerable to this side effect-including those with kidney failure or heart disease, or uncontrolled asthma, angina, or high blood pressure-should usually avoid the shots.
