What are Allergy Shots, and How Often Should You Receive Them?

Most people suffer from allergies, ranging from mild to life-threateningly severe. The most common we hear about are allergies to pollens, grasses, and foods, but you can be tested for many different allergens to determine what exactly you are allergic to. Dr. Avi Ishaaya can help you determine your allergens and how to treat them. Contact Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers in Beverly Hills, CA to learn how our office can help you today.

What are allergies?

Allergies, or allergens, are external triggers that cause your immune system to respond with an allergic reaction. These allergens can be anything you breathe, swallow or touch that causes a reaction. Reactions can consist of many different symptoms and issues, including sneezing, wheezing, coughing, swelling, congestion, hives, and itchy nose/eyes. Our offices test for multiple different groups of allergens, like trees and flowers, molds, pollens, animals, and foods. Allergies can be treated in three different ways, medications, lifestyle changes, or allergy shots.

What are allergy shots?

Allergy shots are a form of immunotherapy that helps your body become less and less reactive to your specific allergens. Each shot contains small amounts of your allergen to trigger your immune system. These stimulate your body’s systems but do not cause a complete allergic reaction. Over time with each new dose, your body becomes more and more desensitized to your allergen. Eventually, your body builds up a tolerance to your allergen. If you are ever exposed to your allergen after your allergy shots are completed, your reaction should be minimal and less harmful than before. If you suffer from allergies or would like to know what you are allergic to, contact Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers in Beverly Hills, CA to learn how an allergy test and shots can help you today.

How often will I receive allergy shots?

Allergy shots have two main stages, buildup and maintenance. During the buildup phase, you will receive multiple shots over a week for multiple weeks. Each shot takes place during a 20-minute appointment that you must attend. This is when you will be monitored for a reaction caused by your injection. The entire process can take around a year for your reaction to become less and less severe. Over this time, the allergen dose in your shot will slowly increase. During the maintenance phase, you may have to receive maintenance shots to keep your reactivity levels down over the next few years. While you will not stop seeing your allergy symptoms overnight, you should see improvement over the first year of treatment. However, it is during the second year of you receiving these shots you will see the most results.

Where can I get allergy shots and treatment in Beverly Hills, CA?

Allergy shots are a treatment option designed to lower your immune system’s reaction to your specific allergen in small increments. This is done with shots that have an increased dose of your allergen in successive sessions. The entire process could take a year or longer, depending on the severity of your allergies and your specific goals. Dr. Avi Ishaaya can help you understand your options and find out which treatment is best suited for you. Allergies can completely disrupt your life, but our office can help you. Contact Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers in Beverly Hills, CA today for a full consultation on the state of your allergies.