Allergy Shots 101: Everything You Need to Know About Immunotherapy for Kids
Nearly one in five children in the United States have a seasonal allergy, and millions more have food allergies and other sensitivities. The symptoms that stem from these allergies can be uncomfortable, getting in the way of your child’s day and experiences.
While plenty of treatments are available, most treat the symptoms instead of the allergy itself. This includes traditional treatments like corticosteroids, antihistamines, and decongestants. However, allergy immunotherapy focuses on the allergy.
The Basics: Allergies
To understand allergy immunotherapy and how it works, we need to understand the basics of an allergy. In simple terms, an allergy is a reaction in your body to a foreign substance, such as cat or dog dander, specific foods, pollen, or bee venom.
These foreign substances are rarely harmful, but your body’s antibodies, blood proteins that counteract a specific antigen, flag them as dangerous. So, when you come into contact with the allergen, those antibodies send out a signal, communicating with cells that release specific chemicals.
When these chemicals are released, the reaction occurs, causing the symptoms we know as allergies. Your child might experience a range of symptoms, such as:
- Skin rashes
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes
- Stomach upset
What Are Allergy Shots?
An allergy shot is the most common type of allergy immunotherapy (AIT) and falls under a category called subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT). This means it is administered under the skin via an injection. It contains a small dose of the allergen, whether it’s pet dander, bee venom, or northern pasture grasses.
The amount of the allergen starts small but incrementally increases over time to push the exposure and help your body adjust. Generally, you’ll get a dose at least once a week, although the timing will vary based on your specific health needs.
These shots can present a risk of adverse reactions, although rare, so you’ll need to stay at your doctor’s office for a specific amount of time after the injection for monitoring.
How Do Allergy Shots Work?
Essentially, an allergy shot works by reducing the production of those “blocking” antibodies that trigger the reaction through exposure to the allergen, delivered under the skin via an injection. By exposing the body repeatedly to the allergen, it helps desensitize the immune system, “training” it to become less reactive.
This process takes time, so you need to be prepared for a long-term commitment. Most people begin to see the results within the first year, but the best results usually appear within years two and three.
Allergy Shots vs. Sublingual Immunotherapy
Allergy shots and subcutaneous immunotherapy are but one type of AIT. The second type, called sublingual immunotherapy, is more commonly used for children. Sublingual immunotherapy (SCIT) is administered under the tongue in the form of allergy drops or tablets, so it’s easy to administer at home.
Furthermore, it doesn’t require injections or frequent doctor’s visits, so it’s a popular parent pick for contending with children’s allergies.
Are Allergy Shots Effective for Childhood Allergies?
Countless studies document the remarkable efficacy of allergy shots for people with various allergies. The treatment has been around for over a century, so researchers have had plenty of time to deconstruct the mechanisms and unveil the efficacy.
For example, in one study that examined evidence to evaluate the long-term effects of AIT for allergic rhinitis, researchers found that both types of AIT are effective in treating allergic rhinitis. It found that the treatment offers clinical benefits and immunological changes consistent with an allergen-specific tolerance.
In a handful of research and clinical trials, researchers showcased the impressive efficacy of repeated subcutaneous injections in achieving an allergen-specific tolerance. These results persist even years after discontinuing the treatment.
So, allergy immunotherapy can be highly effective for childhood allergies. In fact, since this treatment makes immunological changes, it can actually help prevent the development of new allergies and asthma in children.
Wrapping Up
Allergy shots can be a highly effective treatment for childhood allergies. By exposing the body repeatedly to the allergen, allergy shots help desensitize the immune system and reduce the production of antibodies that trigger allergic reactions. While this option requires a time commitment, the results are well worth the effort for many families.
If you’re considering allergy shots or allergy immunotherapy for your child or family, remember to discuss it with your primary healthcare physician first. They can help you determine the best treatment plan based on your or your child’s allergy and medical history.
