Allergy shots inject a small amount of the suspected allergen (pollen, fungus, etc) into the bloodstream once a week or so for a year or two. After a while, the body becomes used to the allergen and stops having large reactions to it. Eventually, you can tolerate it without all the side effects. I don't know if the same principle works with food allergies or not, but it's probably something similar.

They hurt

It is unknown how the allergy shots work. However, they probably work very well in eliminating the immune system, which is the source of all allergic reactions. It is required that you fully commit to the allergy shots for them to be effective. Read http://www.emedicinehealth.com/allergy_shots/page2_em.htm#How Do the Shots Work?

Yes: neilc111 has the right idea. No, it's not a permanent solution because the cause of the allergy response is still part of your genetic make-up. The solution is to seek guidance for a balanced diet that eliminates the allergenic foods. E.g., for me, potatoes are gone (along with all the irritations) and I eat rice instead. The least allergenic foods are organic lamb for meat, fresh pears for fruit and pure water for fluids. That combo becomes the starting point for a personalised dietary programme for anyone suffering multiple allergy distress. Many allergens are avail;able in Homeopathic potency and any Homeopath can provide you with supplies. These work very well and don't compromise your blood chemistry or immune response.

Allergy shots do work but it's not a permanent solution. But it does help a bunch!

Make sure they are thimerosal(mercury)-free.

MissLisaDi: 11 months ago via iPhone

Thanks for the tip, seriously! How do you find out if they are? And do allergy shots commonly contain mercury?

What would happen if it did have mercury and he received the shot?

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Having been down that road,yes they do work,but it takes a few years for the treatment to work.Food allergies are especially hard to treat,because of all the stuff out there and in the food itself.Best thing you can do is avoid the things you are allergic too as much as possible.

First, it is absolutely NOT "unknown" how allergy shots work. Neilc111 has pretty much summed it up. It's almost the same thing as a vaccine for a virus.

Second, I went through 3 years of allergy shots when I was a little tike, starting about 4-5 ending about 7-8 years old. I'm told my allergies were severe (I don't really remember, I'm 40 years old, now), and were particularly Dust, Mold, Animal Dander, Cut Grass, and fall leaves. After the shots, (and even during, we got our first dog before I turned 5) I have grown up with pets, living in Indiana with fall leaves and lots of cut grass, my house (now in Colorado) is dusty as hell, I have a dog, still. I do try to keep any chance of mold to a minimum (not because of allergies, but because it's gross). In the last 30+ years, I have not had any issues with allergies, and never taken any kind of allergy medication, so Permanent? I don't know, I'm not dead yet, but I'd say over 30 years of allergy free life is pretty good.

That said, I don't have any idea about how my experience relates to food allergies. I didn't have any food allergies (thankfully, since some of the most common food allergies are some of my favorite foods!)

MissLisaDi: 11 months ago via iPhone

GREAT answer.
Mr Osbourne, I will say that some allergies are known to have the ability of being outgrown. I believe, specifically after puberty. So, maybe that has played a part in your situation. I am hoping that it is the case for me, as I am considered allergic to Penicillin from early childhood. It doesn't seem hopeful, as there are other members of my family that are considered allergic as well (such as my Pop Pop).
As for my fianc, his reactions are getting more severe and more frequent lately, so I am definitely worried about him. When he goes to the allergist, he really needs to get a script for an epi pen.
Unfortunately, we have been told by the receptionist of the allergist, that my fianc cannot take benadryl or any other antihistamine days before he gets tested. I haven't the foggiest idea how we are going to swing that, as his hives and severely swollen lips have progressed to almost every other day! Hellllllppppppp!

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MissLisaDi: 11 months ago via iPhone

Ps- I love it when people have the courage to refute others' answers. It makes Ask.com a better place!
Refute on, refuters! Cause the world needs you all.

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As some of the other people have answered You get injected with allergens that your allergic to. Starts off usually once a week and eventually (as in my case) you go once a month. Does it Cure your allergies? Well in my case No. I go monthly for my injections. Do they help?? Yes very much so. example I went away on vacation. and I missed my monthly shot. well I was good for about a week after it was time for my shot. then it kicked in...I was dying...couldn't breath nose stuffed up was pretty bad.
But in most cases you do build up an immunity to the allergens and can stop going. Since I"m allergic to everything. I keep going and they do help and If you have a good doctor. and nurses the needles don't hurt..sometime they hit mussel and that can be alittle discomfortable. lol I hope this helps you and good luck Talk to an allergist they are the best to ask for your questions find a good one ask around ask your primary care doctor. and friends and family someone knows one...Good Luck

dvdprincess: 11 months ago

If they are like asthma steroids, they are supposed to hit muscle. Aw man, just talking about it is making my arm feel a bit weird!

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If you mean steroids (legal ones), then I can tell you "no, they're not permanent." At least if they are like Asthma shots. Worst shots I've ever had. But the nurses make a difference.

MissLisaDi: 11 months ago via iPhone

I don't believe allergy shots contain corticosteroids. I believe they just contain a component of the suspected allergen. <3

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