Devins Allergy/Asthma Clinic
Procedures
Facts About Allergy Shots
Allergy shots are an effective and safe treatment for people who suffer from a variety of allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma and insect stings.
The treatment works by introducing small amounts of purified substances to which the person is allergic, in gradually increasing amounts. The allergy shots improve the patient's natural resistance to the allergens and minimize or eliminate the need for medications. Allergy shots usually must be continued for several years, but sometimes can be discontinued with immunity maintained for a lifetime. Research continues to show that besides decreasing symptoms, allergy shots may also prevent the development of asthma in some patients with allergic rhinitis and, if begun early, may prevent future allergies.
Devins Allergy/Asthma Clinic- Kansas City
Phone: (816) 363-0787
6724 Troost, Suite 304
Kansas City, Missouri 64131
Devins Allergy/Asthma Clinic Lee's Summit
Phone: (816) 524-3280
618 West 3rd Street
Lee's Summit, Missouri 64063
Devins Allergy/Asthma Clinic- Overland Park
Phone: (913) 782-3953
5701 West 119th, Menorah Medical Building
Johnson County
Notice
To patients who will be having allergy skin testing and allergy injections:
. The material with which we test and inject is material that you are allergic to.
. This material consists of the antigens that cause your allergic reactions: congestion, wheezing, etc.
. Initial injections may cause similar problems. You
may notice a sore arm, achiness, irritability, and
other symptoms similar to your allergies.
. Remember, this is only TEMPORARY relief from
your allergies. Results will typically be noticed within 6-12 weeks of treatment.
. After your testing, you will be given medication to
help you through this initial period. Again, you should expect some relief with in the first three months of your sensitization. Be patient!
Typical Allergy Shot Schedule1. Your initial visit. Dr. Devins evaluates a patient's needs, and informs the patient if and when he/she needs to be allergy tested, and a testing date will be decided upon. Several visits may occur before you can be tested, in which the doctor will continue his assessment of your symptoms.
2. Your test date. It takes anywhere from 1-2 hours to test a new patient. You must be off antihistamines for at least five days prior to the test date, as the medication will interfere with the results of your test. Be sure to tell both
the doctor and the allergy technologist performing the test of any antidepressants and/or blood pressure medications you are taking. It is a good idea to eat before coming in for the test, as it will increase the accuracy of test results.
Please remember to wear a short sleeved or sleeveless shirt the day of your test, as the tech will be using the upper part of your arm.
3. After your test. The nurse will give you a copy of your results, explain the results, and tell you what your next step should be, as well as what you should expect in the next few weeks.
4. Week 1. You will have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Devins to ensure you are A-OK to start your "desensitization therapy." You should get your first shot one week after your allergy test. It is important that you wait 10 minutes after your shot to make sure you do not have a reaction to the injection.
5. It may take 6-12 weeks of consecutive shots before you notice much of an improvement. Be patient, especially during the first few weeks. Remember, you are putting
material your body is not used to and does not like directly into your arm. You may actually feel worse during these initial weeks. But stay with it...Relief IS on the way!
6. After 1-2 years, you may need to get retested to determine if your allergies have improved. At that time, the cycle begins all over once again.
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