Should I Consider Allergy Shots?

Over 80 million Americans have a diagnosed allergy. That means their immune system mistakes something harmless as dangerous. If you’re one of them, you know how frustrating the sneezing, itchy eyes, rashes, and breathing problems can be.

Allergy shots can safely reduce or put an end to allergy attacks. However, like most medical treatments, they aren’t ideal for everyone.

At her offices in Valencia, Burbank, and Lancaster, California, Dr. Maricar Cutillar-Garcia provides personalized allergy care for people of all ages.

Common allergens

When you have an allergy, your immune system responds to allergen exposure by triggering the release of chemicals, such as histamine.

Virtually anything can cause this allergic reaction, but common allergens include:

Insect bites and stings

Dust mites
Certain foods
Medications
Mold
Animals
Poison ivy
Pollen
Cockroaches

Because many plants and trees pollinate during the spring or early summer in the United States, pollen allergies are also known as seasonal allergies.

Allergy treatments

Allergy treatment often involves avoiding the allergen or limiting your exposure. Other lifestyle habits, such as using an air purifier and monitoring outdoor pollen levels, also help.

If needed, Dr. Cutillar-Garcia will recommend medical allergy treatment, such as an antihistamine, nasal spray, or allergy shots.

How allergy shots work

Allergy shots inject minuscule amounts of your allergen to stimulate your immune system and help your body build up a tolerance. Over time, your sensitivity decreases. The shots cause no lasting side effects.

Before you receive the shots, Dr. Cutillar-Garcia will conduct a blood or skin test to confirm your allergen.

Then, she develops a schedule of upper arm injections. During the buildup phase, you’ll receive 1-3 shots per week. During the maintenance phase, which may last up to five years, you’ll receive one shot per month.

Expect to stay in our office for 30 minutes after your treatment so our team can ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction.

Good candidates for allergy shots

Dr. Cutillar-Garcia can determine your best allergy treatment plan based on an exam and review of your symptoms and medical history. For kids age five or older and adults, that plan may include allergy shots.

You could be a prime candidate for allergy shots if you:

Have persistent environmental allergies
Have asthma that flares up around allergens
Have a severe insect allergy
Haven’t found relief from other allergy treatments
Can’t realistically avoid your allergen(s)

Allergy shots also provide a good option if you’re seeking long-term relief by treating the cause, versus only addressing your symptoms.

Allergy shots do not treat food allergies, latex allergies, or chronic hives. If you are a candidate due to other allergens, you must be willing to engage in 3-5 years of treatment.

To learn more or find out if allergy shots are right for you, call our office or request an appointment through our website today.