.png)
Allergy shots
- Sora Shibuya
- Jan 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 22
What are allergy injections?
Allergy shots are part of a type of treatment called immunotherapy .
Each allergy shot contains tiny amounts of a specific substance (allergen) that causes an allergic reaction in the patient.
*The amount is so small that it does not cause an allergic reaction.
These are regular injections given over a period of time (usually around three to five years) to stop or reduce allergy attacks.
Over time , doctors will increase the dose of allergen in each allergy shot.
This helps the body's immune system get used to the allergen.
In this way, the immune system develops tolerance to the allergen, reducing allergic symptoms over time.
How allergy shots work
As shown in the diagram above, allergy shots work in two stages.
Initial Phase
The titration phase is the first stage of allergy shot treatment. During this phase, the amount of allergen given to the patient is gradually increased.
Frequency: Injections are usually given once or twice a week .
Goal: The goal is to help the body gradually become tolerant to the allergen, starting with low amounts and gradually increasing them over time.
Duration: The increase phase may last for several months, depending on the individual patient's response and the type of allergen, but is typically 3 to 6 months .
2. Maintenance Phase
Once the ramp-up phase is complete, treatment moves to the maintenance phase, in which the body receives regular injections of the allergen at the maximum dose established in the ramp-up phase to help the body maintain its tolerance.
Frequency: Injections are usually given every 2 weeks to once a month, sometimes more frequently at first and then more frequently over time.
PURPOSE: The goal is to help the body maintain a high tolerance to allergens, resulting in long-term relief from allergy symptoms.
Duration: The maintenance phase usually lasts for 3-5 years, but may vary depending on the patient's symptoms and treatment goals.
Some people may notice a reduction in symptoms during the dose increase phase, but it may take up to a year after beginning the maintenance phase before they notice any improvement.
If allergy vaccination is successful, a maintenance phase should usually be continued for 3 to 5 years.
To discontinue allergy shots, you will need to consult with an allergist/immunologist.
Examples of hospitals where you can receive treatment in Japan
National Center for Global Health and Medicine Hospital (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Juntendo University Hospital (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo)
Osaka University Hospital (Suita, Osaka Prefecture)
Nagoya City University Hospital (Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture)
Fukuoka University Hospital (Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture)
Risks and Cautions
①Not recommended for children under 5 years old!
→This is because it is difficult to clearly describe your symptoms.
②People who want to cure their food allergies cannot receive this treatment!
→Allergy shots cannot be used for food allergies.
3. If you want to avoid long-term use of medication
→This treatment requires regular injections, so it is not recommended for people who do not want to undergo these procedures.
④ Depending on the severity of your allergies, treatment may not be possible, so consult a specialist doctor!
⑤Common symptoms include redness and swelling at the injection site.
⑥Severe reactions to allergy injections (such as anaphylactic reactions) are rare, but may occur.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include swelling in the throat, chest tightness, nausea, and dizziness.
*Since serious reactions often occur within 30 minutes of the injection, it is recommended that you wait in the examination room for at least 30 minutes after receiving the vaccination.
List of References
(nd). Allergy Shots (immunotherapy) . American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/allergy-shots-(immunotherapy)
Images: created with Canva
Comentários