Allergy Shots, How Long to be effective?

[leaffan]

For about a year I've been getting a weekly allergy shot  to gradually desensitize me to common allergens, such as grass and ragweed. As yet, I really haven't noticed any benefit. I know it may take several years for this treatment to be effective. I'd like to hear from other members who've undergone a similar regimen. Thanks for your  help.

[leaffan]

thanks very much for your reply. My reactions to the shots have been very mild; just local reactions of an inch or so. My ENT says to give the shots a year or so, and then evaluate whether there's been a noticeable improvement.

[bsmsl]

It depends on the methods the dr uses and how the patient responds.  Some people see some improvement in 6 months others can take much longer up to 2 - 4 years.  It also depends on how well you have tollerated the shots and if you have been able to get up to maintenance dose.  

How is your injection site reaction?  I had softball size local reactions when I first started shots (red, hot, swollen hives), but they gradually decreased in size over the second 6 months of treatment.  Now my local reaction is about 1 - 1 1/2 inches.  

Hang in there.  They should be working sometime soon.  Remember this is a long term investment, not necessarily a quick fix.