Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT or allergy shots) is the injection of allergens to build tolerance. Allergy shots increase your tolerance to bothersome allergens. By injecting gradually increasing doses of the offending allergen extract, the immune system builds up a tolerance to those allergens. Allergy shots slow down and reduce the production of the IgE antibody. You can think of each shot as adding a brick to the “wall of protection” against things that trigger your allergies.
Allergy shots can be used to control symptoms triggered by:
Allergy shots has two phases: building and maintenance. Building consists of small increases in dosage every 2 to 14 days and continues as patient’s tolerance increases. When building is completed the maintenance phase begins and patients get injections every 14-21 days. Most patients feel some benefit within the first few months of shots but rarely can take up to 12 months to feel some improvement. SCIT generally lasts 3 to 5 years. Reassessments are required the first 3 and 6 months of allergy shots, and annually thereafter.
After 5 years of successful treatment, most patients don't have significant allergy problems even after allergy shots are stopped. A small percentage of people need ongoing shots to keep symptoms under control.
You may benefit from allergy shots if you:
Allergy shots are very effective in the treatment of allergic asthma. Over time, they can help your breathing and decrease the need for asthma medications. Allergy shots also benefit patients with eczema or atopic dermatitis, when the condition is associated with environmental allergies.
Most patients do not have major problems with allergy shots. Allergy shots do contain the patient’s allergens so reactions are possible, and can include:
If you get your shots on a regular schedule without missing doses, you're less likely to have a serious reaction.
Taking antihistamines before getting your allergy shots can reduce the risk of a reaction.
The possibility of a severe reaction is scary — but you won't be on your own. You'll be observed in the doctor's office for 30 minutes after each appointment, when the most serious reactions usually occur. If you have a severe reaction after you leave, administer epinephrine as prescribed and call our office, or call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Please ensure a timely arrival so that each patient can receive their shots at their scheduled time. If you show up later than your scheduled appointment time, you will need to wait for the scheduled patients to receive their injections first. If your appointment is at the end of the working day (i.e., 5:30pm) and you show up late, your appointment will be canceled. 30-minute wait times are required due to the possibility of anaphylaxis.
If you are late 10 minutes or more and do not call/text, our office may cancel your appointment upon your arrival.
WEST DES MOINES CLINIC
Monday 8:15am to 10:45am and 12:00pm to 4:15pm
Tuesday 8:15am to 10:00am and 03:00pm to 4:15pm
Wednesday 7am to 10:00am and 12pm -5:30pm
Thursday 8:15am to 10:00am and 03:00pm to 4:15pm
Friday 8:15am to 10:45am and 12:00pm to 4:15pm
Sat/Sun Closed
ANKENY CLINIC
Monday 8:15am to 10:45am and 12:00pm to 4:15pm
Tuesday 8:15am to 10:45am and 12:00pm to 4:15pm
Wednesday 7am to 10:00am and 12pm -5:30pm
Thursday 8:15am to 10:45am and 12:00pm to 4:15pm
Friday 8:15am to 10:45am and 12:00pm to 4:15pm
Sat/Sun Closed
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