Our Services / Allergy Shots

What are allergy shots?

Allergy shots at Allergy, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Immunology Associates are injections that contain small amounts of potential allergens. If you have allergies, these shots help desensitize your body to the allergens over time, reducing the risk of allergic reactions. Over time, Dr. Friedman increases the dose of allergen you receive via injection.

Common symptoms of allergies include runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, hives, and difficulty breathing. 

What are allergy shots used for?

Allergy, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Immunology Associates specialists may recommend that you receive allergy shots if allergy medications haven’t worked to control your symptoms or if there’s no way for you to avoid certain allergens. 

You may also be a good candidate for allergy shots if you’d like to reduce your long-term use of allergy medications that cause bothersome side effects. Common allergens that allergy shots may work well for include pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, and insect stings.

Are allergy shots right for me?

Your Allergy, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Immunology Associates provider reviews your symptoms and medical history with you to determine if allergy shots are the right treatment for you. Dr. Friedman completes a physical exam and offers allergy testing, which might include blood tests, skin prick tests, or patch testing.

What should I expect when getting allergy shots?

When getting an allergy shot, your Allergy, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Immunology Associates provider uses a very fine needle to inject small doses of specific allergens into your body. Each injection takes just a few seconds to complete. You may feel a tiny pinch during needle insertion, but it doesn’t last long.

What happens after my treatment?

After receiving allergy shots, you can expect some redness or swelling at the site of the injection, but these side effects don’t last long. 

Dr. Friedman could recommend that you receive initial allergy shots several times a week, with fewer shots needed over time as your body gradually builds up a tolerance to allergens. However, every patient is different. After a year or longer, you may notice reductions in troublesome allergic reactions.

Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about allergy shots at Allergy, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Immunology Associates and find out if they’re right for you.