I am going to see an allergist, and am wondering how the doctor decides what to do for your allergies. I see some getting shots, some have drops to put under the tongue, and some take pills. I know the pills just help with the symptoms, but what do the shots and drops do? Thankyou for any help you can give me.

Kamden, you are right, the pills just help with the symptoms. They don't actually get rid of the allergy. Allergy shots are small doses of the actual substance that you are allergic to. You get them once or twice a week (for the first few months or a year, and then you get them less). Allergies occur when the body sees something normal such as dust or cat hair, or certain foods, etc... as an enemy. The body then reacts and tries to fight these things off, sending out histamines, and that is how you get an allergic reaction. Hence the term "anti-histamine". When getting shots, you are injected with a miniscule amount of the substance(s) that you are allergic to. It takes a while, but eventually your body becomes desensitized (used to) these substances, and begins to see them as normal occurrances, so it stops trying to fight them off, therefore eliminating the allergic reaction. As I said, it takes time for this to happen. It can take as long as 1-5 years of getting shots every week. For some people, the immunity lasts a lifetime and they are eventually able to get off of the shots and never have to go back on them again. For others like me, the allergy never really goes away, but the shots help to lessen the effects. Drops act in the same way. I have been getting allergy shots for years, and I really don't know where I would be without them. I absolutely swear by them. If you have any more questions about allergy shots or other treatments, feel free to ask me. Good luck,


Elyse http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

[This message has been edited by purple2067 (edited 08-22-2002).]

Another vote in favor of allergy shots. Long term - shots are less expensive and have far fewer side effects.

Thankyou for your replies. I will see what my insurance will cover, of course that will make a difference too!!