| 1. |
Injection treatment is used to
obtain long-term improvement or reversal of an allergic problem.
It consists of regular injection(s) of the substances to which
you are allergic and which are causing your symptoms. The substances
(or allergens) to be injected are determined by the doctor after
reviewing your history, skin tests and lab work. |
| 2. |
No appointment is necessary for
all but the first and possibly the next 2-3 injections. Thereafter,
the doctor will see you approximately every 6-8 visits so he/she
can monitor your progress. However, you must see the doctor
if you are having symptoms from your allergy. The injections
do not cause symptoms except in very rare cases. (See below). |
| 3. |
As progress is made, the frequency
of injections may become less; this usually does not occur until
at least a full year of treatment has been carried out. |
| 4. |
The average patient requires treatment
for 3-5 years. This will vary with the patient and type of symptoms.
Injections are given year round, as this has been proven to
be the most successful method of treatment. |
| 5. |
After receiving an injection(s),
patients should wait in the office for at least 20 minutes and
before leaving, have their arm(s) checked by one of the assistants.
This is an important precaution for the patient. It is used
to detect any unusual swelling at the site of the injection
(a small amount of itchy swelling is normal), and to guard against
the very rare possibility of a more serious reaction such as
reproduction of your symptoms. If any swelling occurs at home
after leaving the office, be sure to tell the doctor or nurse
at your next visit before you receive your injection. |
| 6. |
If swelling or itching is uncomfortable,
an ice pack or antihistamine will help relieve this. This is
rarely necessary. |
| 7. |
During injection treatment, some
medications by mouth or spray may have to be continued. |
| 8. |
Patients respond to injections
at different rates. It is difficult to predict an individual’s
precise length of time injection treatment will be necessary.
However, regular, as opposed to erratic treatment, is associated
with faster and usually better results. |
| 9. |
When patients are acutely ill,
e.g. significant flare-ups in asthma, or generalized hives,
fevers, fresh colds, strep throat, flu, etc., injections are
usually not given in the first day or two of these episodes.
If there are any questions regarding this, call and check on
the day of your injection. Allergy injections are also usually
not given within 24 hours of any other type of injection (e.g.
influenza). |
| 10. |
On occasion your injection may
bleed. If this happens to you, please ask the nurse for a band-aid.
Most patients avoid soiled clothing by rolling up their sleeves
or wearing short sleeves.
|
