The warm sunshine and the breezing wind is what comprise a perfect spring day. This is the season when nature is at its best, which most of us find pleasure in. But for those who suffer from pollen allergy, the word ‘spring’ itself is enough to drive them insane, for them, it means an annoying day with nasal congestion, sneezing and swollen eyes accompanied by headaches.

The best way to prevent and control allergy is to avoid and protect oneself against allergens. Medication is of little use to cure allergies. But with the intervention of immunotherapy, which is also called an allergy shot, gone are those days, when you will have to remain inside closed doors with your AC switched on, even when the temperature outside is fairly cool, in order to avoid allergy.

What is immunotherapy and how does it work? Are there any allergy shot side effects? How long does it take to get completely cured and for how long do we have to take the shots? Whether the shot is right for you or not? These are some questions which might be bothering you at this moment.

Immunotherapy or allergy shots are usually given to build a strong immunity thereby, reducing your sensitiveness to allergens. Allergists may recommend you for an immunotherapy when all medications have failed to control the reaction and when it is not possible or easy to avoid the allergen. This form of treatment works well against hay fever which is also known as allergic rhinitis or pollen allergy, eye allergies, bee sting allergies and even some drug allergies. It can, however, improve the symptoms of asthma.

Allergy shots are an immunization in which each shot contains a small amount of the substance which triggers allergic reaction, to stimulate the immune system so as to block the allergic reaction. The cause of allergic reaction is identified either by blood test or by testing your skin’s reaction to specific allergens.

The therapy is usually given for a period of 5 years. The method begins with small amounts of doses which cause allergic reaction and gradually increases the dose until the person is strong enough to tolerate large amounts of the allergen. To make the therapy effective, shots are given through two phases, build-up phase and maintenance phase.

During the build-up phase, a person may require to take the shots at least 2-3 times a week. And this usually lasts for 3-7 months while the maintenance phase, usually lasts for 3-5 years. You will need a maintenance dose after the build-up dose has been increased to an effective level.

Although, most people are treated with success through this therapy, but it is not safe for everyone. It is strictly recommended that people suffering from severe asthma, heart diseases, respiratory problems, pregnant women, and children under five years of age should not go for immunotherapy.

Still, this method remains the most effective therapy available to allergic reactions. Your allergists would monitor you for about half-an-hour after the therapy, to see if you develop any side effects. Redness, swelling or irritation at the site of the injection is normal but if you develop shortness of breath, tight throat, itchy eyes, runny nose or any other concerned symptoms, then get in touch with your doctor immediately.