Allergy Shots

By zigb

1 min read

I had shared before that the doctor I thought was on the right track suddenly stopped responding so I decided after several calls and emails to look for a new doctor. My new doctor appointment was at an allergy and asthma clinic. In the 45 minutes I waited to be called, I saw at least 40 people line up with their Epi-pen to get their allergy shots. For a moment during my wait I had the thought of just leaving. Is this a conveyor belt of allergy shots? Does everyone have allergies? But not having much of a choice, I went into the appointment.

For background, I have severe asthma and take high doses of inhalers to control (somewhat). After visiting the nurse and the doctor and seeing that I already tried everything available, you guessed it-- I was recommended to do an allergy screening. I took allergy shots as a child back in the late 60s, I am sure the science has improved and maybe I do have new allergies that are worsening my asthma.

After 58 punctures I did manage to react to about 4 molds, a tree, and a couple of other allergens. I had blood drawn for special immunologic testing and now I am part of the conveyor belt! On one side, I am hoping this will help reduce my medication needs and on the other hand, I am feeling duped. Do I really need to get these injections?

I would like to know if other people have had good luck with allergy shots. I keep my fingers crossed that they will work.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
Hi <inline-mention username="zigb" user-id="3063733"/>, and thanks for your post. I am hopeful others in the community will see your story and your inquiry and respond by sharing their own personal experiences with allergy shots, triggers and asthma. I will tell you that, in my professional experience, for some folks, allergy shots help to identify individual's allergens. By doing so, their allergy and (asthma) condition is brought under better control. Perhaps this will be the case for you. Please do check back and keep us apprised of your progress. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)
lenchiksf Member
It does take a while for allergy shots to work especially until you get to the maintenence level. From my log, i recently realized that I use less albuterol after allergy shots and need more after 2.5 weeks (i get shots every 3 wks) i hope this helps. 
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="lenchiksf" user-id="4197316"/> Hi lenchiksf, and thank you for joining in the conversation here. We appreciate you sharing your own personal experience managing this condition with the community. It is very helpful to hear about how others are handling this condition. We value both your input and your feedback. All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)
John Bottrell, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 zigb. Hi. I think I am in a similar boat as you. I just went through all the allergy testing, as you did. And I turned up positive for many allergens. Still, in my case, I went through this entire process of allergy testing and shots before with no results. Although, my current doctor insists that allergy shots work for 80% of people. So, based on his encouragement, I decided to go through with it again. Am I being duped? Are you being duped? I honestly don't think so. It's a really safe treatment, and if we can get benefits such as what you noted above, it surely would be worth it, right? That's how I decided to go through with it. What do you think? John. Community Moderator. <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>
shellzoo Member
I have been getting allergy shots for over 5 years. While I do continue to have allergy symptoms, my face no longer swells up and I am not covered in hives and eczema. I can go outside without constant sneezing, coughing and watery eyes. I feel like the allergy shots gave me my life back. My doctor told me I was pretty much allergic to everything but 2 molds. I started with 6 shots weekly and now get 3 shots every 4 weeks. The shots are painless. I surf the internet for my 30 minute wait afterwards. I have EpiPens but I don’t have to show them to anyone or even prove I have them to get shots. The office is well trained and set up to respond to an anaphylactic event. I am very happy with the results I have had from the shots.
Lynida Jo Harper, MPA, BSRT, RRT, AE-C Moderator
<inline-mention username="zigb" user-id="3063733"/> I can only speak for myself, but five years of allergy shots literally changed my life! It was about 15 years ago, when my asthma had really begun to flair, particularly in the late spring and summer. I knew at least some of it was allergy related, but hadn't gotten to the point of doing anything about it. My inhalers and the addition of another steroid seemed to be controlling it. However, a few weeks of waking in the middle of the night with what felt like a vise around my chest convinced me I needed to do more. Turns out I was severely allergic to most trees, grasses, pollen, dust mites, roaches (thank god that wasn't an issue), cats, and I don't even know what else. I felt like a pin cushion each week and almost gave up a few times. But, in the end I stuck it out for the full length of time and I'm so glad I did! I rarely, if ever, have seasonal allergies anymore. I even have a cat! I'm not suggesting it works for everyone or that it works the same, but I can tell you I'm so glad I invested the time and effort. Best, Lyn (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>Asthma.net</a>)
twin Member
I learn so much from these articles. Trusting ones judgement is important. Thank you.
1. Melissa.Arnold Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="twin" user-id="3023975"/> That's exactly why this site is here, twin! Thank *you* for the feedback, it feels good to know when we are doing something well! Glad you're here with us. -Melissa, <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a> team
johnep44 Member
This year at age 78 my new allergist recommended allergy shots. My moderate asthma is well controlled with meds but her thinking was the shots might reduce the meds I have to take, I am halfway thru the first 40 shots. So far, so good. I have gone to pulmonologists for past 20 years and they never suggested allergy shots. I wish they had. Best wishes in your allergy shot journey.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="johnep44" user-id="3019815"/> Hi john - we appreciate you weighing in and sharing this with the community. I am glad to hear you find this level of treatment/diagnostic testing is so valuable in your particular case. Thanks for lending your own level of support and encouragement with the community. All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)
2. Melissa.Arnold Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="johnep44" user-id="3019815"/> Have you seen any changes so far? I give you credit for staying committed to the process, it can be tedious. I hope you find it beneficial! -Melissa, <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a> team
nece Member
 I took allergy shots for years as a kid. I started back on the as an adult and continued for a number of years. When anyone asks if they work, I tell them that, after a year of taking them, I went from 4 to 5 respiratory/sinus infections a year to maybe one. 
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="nece" user-id="3025918"/> Hi nece, and thanks for joining in the conversation here. We appreciate you sharing your own personal experience having allergy shots with the community. It sounds like you feel they worked quite well. Keep up the good work! Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)
zigb Member
UPDATE TO ORIGINAL POST It has been almost two years since I started the allergy shots journey. Up to last month I was still doing 2 shots every week. Have I seen relief? Not really, I still get a seasonal runny nose controlled only with Ipratropium nasal spray. Mold and rainy humid days still get me and need to use my nebulizer those days. After two years of this routine I spoke to my doctor to reduce the frequency to every other week, which is what I am doing now. Also since going on Medicare in November I pay MORE for these shots than I did with private insurance even though my premium between Medicare and Plan D and Plan G adds up to the same I was paying for private insurance. (Who created Medicare?!! That's for another topic) In summary I don't think allergy shots are doing much for me. The little improvement I am getting I would say is because I am on Tezspire and even though it's not perfect it has made a difference on overall symptoms.
John Bottrell, RRT Moderator & Contributor
Hi. <inline-mention username="zigb" user-id="3063733"/> Thank you for the update. It is certainly nice to hear from you again. As I see my post above, I realize I too have been taking these shots for over 2 years now. And like you, I will be honest. I can tell much of a difference. Although, I talked to my doctor who has prescribed them (in my case an ENT) and he said I still have 6 months to go until I get to my maintenance dose. He said once I get there I may start seeing results. Are you at your maintenance does yet? I am wondering. John. <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a> community moderator