Have you ever felt like your breathing suddenly tightens up and you can’t breathe properly out of nowhere? Or when you eat a certain food and instantly develop a fever and vomiting? Or even when your skin starts itching nonstop? All of these are different manifestations of allergies. Allergies are a part of practically every human’s life, and it’s important to know which ones affect us so we can understand which allergy vaccines are best for our specific cases. After all, when should we take them? That’s what we’re going to discuss in today’s article. But first, what exactly is an allergy?
What are Allergies?
Allergies can be defined as immune system reactions triggered by hypersensitivity in some part of our body. Because of this, allergies can show up in different ways, such as marks and itching on the skin, breathing problems, or even digestive issues.
Although there are no specific rules, some of the main triggers for allergies are eating certain foods, insect bites—especially from venomous ones—along with other factors like chemicals, paints, medications, and even pollen.
In general, allergies don’t cause major health problems and can usually be managed fairly easily. However, some more sensitive cases can trigger severe health problems, even death, depending on the level of the allergy. That’s why there are several different types of treatments available nowadays.
What is an Allergy Vaccine?
The allergy vaccine is one of the most well-known and widely used types of treatment for those who have an allergy that seriously impacts their life. Among all the treatments, it is the only one capable of actually reversing the condition—in other words, of curing an allergy—although that isn’t always possible.
The allergy vaccine basically involves administering regular doses of the allergy-causing agent directly to the person. When this is done in a gradual way—that is, with doses that increase and at the correct intervals—the immune system gets used to it, and the allergy becomes less and less severe, eventually disappearing altogether.
It’s common to say that this is a form of “re-educating” the immune system, meaning it helps the body get used to the agent’s presence without triggering any reaction. For this reason, the allergy vaccine is also called a desensitizing vaccine, as it gradually cancels out the hypersensitivity mentioned earlier.
Although the most well-known and effective method is a subcutaneous injection, there are also oral and sublingual treatments for allergies.
When should we take an Allergy Vaccine?
Allergy vaccines are recommended for anyone who wants their allergies to go away, especially for those who have allergies that occur frequently and more severely. Still, there are no contraindications.
It’s also important to know that people with more than one allergy can undergo this treatment. However, you should talk to your doctor to be sure about the effects it may cause. In these cases, it’s very common that only one type of allergy can be cured.
How long does the Treatment Last?
For someone to actually be cured of an allergic disease, several years of treatment are needed, usually between 3 and 5 years. The length of treatment also depends on how the person’s body reacts to the vaccines. But although this is a relatively long period, the body’s response can be felt gradually, meaning the allergy to a certain agent lessens over time.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Yes, there are side effects caused by this type of vaccine, but they tend to be relatively mild and do not severely affect your life. The biggest risk is allergic reactions, since the treatment uses the same agents that cause the allergy.
Other bodily reactions may include slight pain, discomfort, or itching at the injection site. These issues are easily manageable and don’t usually interfere with day-to-day life.
So, Are Allergy Vaccines Worth It?
If we weigh all the pros and cons of allergy vaccines, the final answer will likely be yes, they’re worth it. That’s because the negative effects are much smaller than the benefits they offer.
Perhaps the biggest problem is the length of time this treatment takes and the discipline required to take the vaccines on the correct days in order for them to be effective. However, with willpower and, of course, discipline, a person can get rid of a very bothersome problem in their life in a relatively easy way.
Even though allergies are part of everyone’s life, understanding how to treat them is always important. After all, we shouldn’t have to stop our daily activities due to chronic issues like this. Allergy vaccines can be a great solution in many cases, which is why knowing all the information we shared today is so important. With this knowledge, you’ll definitely have a better idea whether this type of treatment is right for you.
See also: Hand Allergy: What It Is, Main Causes, and Treatments
