Allergies

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are occasionally recommended if the allergen cannot be avoided and symptoms are hard to control. Regular injections of the allergen are given, with each dose slightly larger than the previous dose. Allergy shots keep your body from over-reacting to the allergen. They do not work for everybody and require frequent doctor's visits.

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Severe reactions (anaphylaxis) require epinephrine, which can be life saving when administered soon after exposure by patients themselves.

Support Groups:

General and up-to-date information for food allergy sufferers can be obtained online through the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. See asthma and allergy support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most allergies can be easily treated with medication. However, medication only helps relieve the symptoms from that exposure, they do not prevent future allergic reactions.

Some children may outgrow an allergy as the immune system becomes less sensitive to the allergen. This is particularly true of food allergies. However, as a general rule, once substances have provoked allergic reactions, they continue to affect the person.

Allergy shots may cause uncomfortable side effects (such as hives and rash) and may have dangerous outcomes (such as anaphylaxis). Allergy shots are most effective in allergens that cause hay fever symptoms and individuals with severe insect sting allergies, but not food allergies. While it may require years of treatment, it is effective in about two-thirds of cases.

Complications:

discomfort during the allergic reaction
disruption of lifestyle
drowsiness and other side effects of antihistamines
side effects of other medications (see the specific medication)
anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if severe symptoms of allergy occur, if previously successful treatment has become ineffective, or if symptoms appear severe or do not respond to treatment.

References:

Christodoulopoulos P, Tulic MK, Kontolemos M, Hamid Q. Immunopathology of Allergic Airway Inflammation.In: Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 6th ed.Mosby, Inc., 2003; 501-511.

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. The Allergy Report page. Available at: http://www.theallergyreport.org/. Accessed March 23, 2005.