I am highly allergic to many things, and am starting immunotherapy. How many shots will I need?

I am 17, live in Arizona, and just so happen to be allergic to pretty much everything here. I have ALWAYS had horrible allergy symptoms, as if I'm always sick, and everyone thinks I have a cold all the time! Anyways, I have been taking Zyrtec for about a year and it didn't help much (still bad PND, scratchy voice, itchy eyes/nose/throat, etc.) So now I am getting allergy shots, but I'm wondering...I am allergic to 32 of the 35 things he tested for (negative on hamster and mold spores :P). Are they going to do immunotherapy for all of these things, and if so--how many shots does that mean I will get? I seriously am fine with 32 shots twice a week if that's what it takes. I'll do anything. But it's really about the money. And will this work?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Allergy shots basically contain a very small quantity of the thing that causes you allergy. In case you have multiple allergies, like for example a combination of outdoor and indoor allergies, then you would be given two shots. One for the outdoor allergies and one for the indoor allergies.

Initially, when you start taking the allergic shots, you would have to take them as regularly as once a week, or every second week. After six months have passed, people generally go on to what is known as maintenance and get shots, for once every month. This generally lasts for about three to five years.

You can gain more information from the following website: http://ezinearticles.com/?Allergies---Allergy-Shots&id=162644

I hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[PlateletGal]

The good news is that you have options. I cannot tolerate allergy shots and so I discovered homeopathy. It actually worked for me... you just need to find the right remedy. It is inexpensive and very safe. In addition, you may want to ask your allergist/immunologist if sublingual therapy is available in the United States yet.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sublingual_immunotherapy

[Kels100]

Thank you kindd!! You are very helpful! I appreciate the answer! Are you a medical professional? You seem to know a lot about this.

[Kels100]

Thanks PlateletGal! I will try the shots, but it's nice to know that there are other options. What kind of homeopathy are you using? I've read a little bit, but it's very convoluted to me. And how do you know what's valid or not? I'm sure there are lots of fakes and placebos out there, so how do you find a true source for a good homeopathic treatment? Also, how bad are your allergies and how long have you been using this regimen, if you don't mind me asking. I'm interested in homeopathy but wary of it as well. It's a cultural thing I guess.  

[enzymelover]

   I will second the homeopathy suggestion.  My son's allergies turned out to be from adrenal insufficiency, so the hydrocortisone he must now take is controlling his symptoms. However, it was not until after I took him for treatment by a homeopathic doctor that he began to have relief.
Do you have digestive disorders also, or is it more nasal and throat reactions?
Also, I believe Enzymedica has an enzyme formula called Allerase, designed to reduce allergy symptoms. I don't have allergies, but I know from experience enzymes are extremely beneficial for reducing inflammation. Bromelain enzyme (from pineapple) works great for my nasal inflammation.
I recommend enzymes for many disorders, because enzyme deficiencies have been found in people with many different disease conditions. Enzymes are needed for every
body function, and deficiencies are common.

Hope you feel better soon.

Enzy