Allergy Shot & Their Alternative's

Allergy shots are an allergy treatment called immunotherapy. The shots, containing allergen extracts, are generally given over a three-to-five-year period. The goal of allergy shots is to desensitize you to triggering allergens and decrease or eliminate the need for medication. Allergy shots are especially helpful with cat dander, dust mites and pollen. Allergy shots can also help prevent the onset of asthma in children with allergic rhinitis. Allergy shots carry the rare risk of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction.

Corticosteroids

• Corticosteroids prevent or relieve inflammation by blocking allergic reactions. Corticosteroids come in different forms: oral, nasal sprays, eyedrops and skin cream. Pills and liquids, such as prednisone, treat severe reactions. Long-term use of oral corticosteroids can cause cataracts, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and delayed growth in children.

  Nasal sprays, such as Flonase, treat nasal symptoms such as stuffiness, sneezing and a runny nose. Side effects include unpleasant tastes or smells, nasal irritation and nosebleeds.

  Eyedrops, such as Maxidex, treat red, itchy and watery eyes. Prolonged use of eyedrops includes risk of eye infection, glaucoma or cataracts.

  Skin creams, such as hydrocortisone, treat scaling and itching. Side effects include skin irritation and discoloration.

Antihistamines

• Antihistamines block inflammatory chemicals called histamines released by the immune system during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines generally come in the form of oral, nasal spray and eyedrops. Oral pills and liquids, such as Claritin, treat swelling, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and hives. Side effects include dry mouth and drowsiness.

  Nasal sprays, such as Astelin, relieve sneezing, itchy and runny nose, congestion and postnasal drip. Side effects include bitter taste, drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, nasal burning, nosebleed, nausea, runny nose, sore throat and sneezing.

  Eyedrops, such as Zaditor, are generally combined with decongestants or mast cell stabilizers. Eyedrops reduce itchy, red, and swollen eyes. Eyedrops are used several times a day with effects lasting only a few hours. Side effects include red eyes, watery eyes, headache and mild stinging or burning.

Decongestants

• Decongestants provide temporary relief of congestion. People who are pregnant, elderly, or have high blood pressure should not take decongestants

  Decongestants come in the form of oral, nasal sprays and eyedrops. Oral decongestants, such as Sudafed, are generally available over the counter. Some decongestants are combined with antihistamines. Side effects include irritability, fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, insomnia, headaches, anxiety, tremors and increased blood pressure.

  Nasal sprays, such as Afrin, can cause rebound congestion if taken for longer than a week or so. Nasal spray side effects include dryness, burning or stinging in the nose, runny nose and sneezing.

  Eyedrops, such as Visine, relieve red and itchy eyes. Eyedrops are generally available over the counter. Side effects include eye redness and damage to blood vessels if overused. A rare side effect is acute (sudden) glaucoma.

Other Treatments

• Singulair is a prescription that works by blocking chemicals called leukotrienes. Singulair treats nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing. Side effects include upper respiratory infection in adults, headache, ear infection and a sore throat in children. The FDA warns that it could cause psychological symptoms such as irritability, anxiousness, insomnia, hallucinations, agitation, depression and suicidal thinking or behavior.

  Epinephrine shots are used to slow severe allergic reactions long enough for a person to get emergency treatment. Epinephrine is a form of adrenaline. The device has an autoinjector needle and is used by people who suffer allergies that cause anaphylactic shock.