Question 1

i have had botox injections, since then i have had tiredness, itching around the site of injections and some headaches, can i take anti allergy pills?

Accepted Answer

Yes: You could take antihistamines like benadryl(causes drowsiness) or claritin(nondrowsy.  You could also take acetaminophen as needed for dull headaches. Applying small amounts of a mild cortisone ointment to the itchy area should help. See the MD if symptoms persist.

Question 2

what can a person expect after an allergy injection?

Accepted Answer

A wait time: Patients are usually monitored for a time period after an allergy shot to make sure that no reaction occurs. Most reactions are local & involve redness, swelling, and irritation within 1 inch of the injection site. Occasionally reactions become body-wide and cause itchy eyes, runny nose, tight throat, shortness-of-breath, and hives. If these symptoms occur, immediate treatment is necessary.

Question 3

why do allergy injections need to be given on a regular basis?

Accepted Answer

Gradual immunity: Simply: the goal of allergy injections (immunotherapy) is to build up a gradual and safe immunity to a particular allergen. The bodies defense/allergy/inflammatory system is "good cop/bad cop." the good cop fights off infection for us and causes allergy symptoms. The bad cop can shut down our body with inflammation/swelling/edema. Allergy shots - good cop does his job - bad cop is not a problem.

Question 4

what is the best injection site for a allergy shot?

Accepted Answer

Triceps: Usually posterior 1/3 of upper arms. Well tolerated and minimal irritation from movement / impact / etc.

Question 5

is it normal to have a large bump on the site of the allergy injection?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Right after the shot there may be an itchy lump on the skin like a hive, anywhere from a pinpoint to a silver dollar size. This is usually normal, although some doctors adjust the dose if it's large. Also, as the dose gets higher, it is common to have a hard, non-tender swelling that develops over a few hours and lasts a few days. This is also normal.

Question 6

is a specific type of syringe needed for emergency insect allergy injections?

Accepted Answer

Yes: I usually prescribe and epipen (epinephrine).  This is a prefilled, spring loaded, self injector.  It is most convenient for those that have a reaction and require rapid treatment.  There are other devices out there as well but i prefer the convenience and widespread availability of this product.

Question 7

how effective is an allergy injection?

Accepted Answer

Very: Allergy injections (immunotherapy) can be very effective if you have tested positive for a specific allergen (eg.. Crab-grass, cats, etc.). The trade-off is daily medication for allergies (anti-histamines, nasal steroids) vs. A committment to go through immunotherapy which can take 1-2 years, but the trade off, if effective, is not needing to take medication at all.

Question 8

how do slit &amp; traditional allergy injections differ?

Accepted Answer

How they are given: SLIT stands for sublingual immunotherapy. SLIT and allergy shots both reduce allergy symptoms by inducing immune tolerance. SLIT has been much studied in Europe, but still considered research in the US and it is not FDA approved. Details of dose, side effects and long-term efficacy are being defined and available for not many pollens.

Question 9

how many days before allergy injections become effective?

Accepted Answer

Months: It can take months for allergy injections to become effective. It's always best to stay on your current allergy meds while building up immunity.

Question 10

how can allergy injections help control allergic disease?

Accepted Answer

Build tolerance: Allergen immunotherapy injections (commonly called allergy shots) help build immune tolerance to environmental allergies.  They can be very helpful for allergy to dust mite, pollens, molds, pet dander, or stinging insect allergy. After months of allergy shots the amount of allergic antibody specific to an allergen decreases and counter allergic cells and antibodies increase.

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Doctor answers about:

Anti allergy injection

A member asked:

I have had botox injections, since then i have had tiredness, itching around the site of injections and some headaches, can i take anti allergy pills?

A member asked:

What can a person expect after an allergy injection?

A member asked:

Why do allergy injections need to be given on a regular basis?

A member asked:

What is the best injection site for a allergy shot?

A member asked:

Is it normal to have a large bump on the site of the allergy injection?

A member asked:

Is a specific type of syringe needed for emergency insect allergy injections?

A member asked:

How effective is an allergy injection?

A member asked:

How do slit &amp; traditional allergy injections differ?

A member asked:

How many days before allergy injections become effective?

A member asked:

How can allergy injections help control allergic disease?

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Questions?

How do slit & traditional allergy injections differ?