Experiencing Congestion, Watery Eyes, Sinus Pain After Receiving Allergy Shots. Cause And Cure?
Thanks for posting the query
First of all, could you please clarify what type of allergic shots you are taking? Is it a steroid injection or an antihistamine or any other injection?
The swelling produced in the arm following injection could be a reaction to the latter. Similarly, other allergic symptoms mentioned by you after taking the injection may be allergy to the injected drug.
If you are not having any allergic symptoms before taking allergic shots, better avoid taking the injection.
To brief you, allergy is one of the common medical problems characterized by an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated inflammation following exposure to allergens. Recurrent attacks of sneezing, nasal discharge and nasal congestion are the common features of nasal allergy. Similarly, asthma is also a variant of allergy.
The triggerers of allergy are the pollen, dust, fumes, coils smoke, etc. "There is no cure for allergy, only the preventive measures when followed can rid of allergy". Preventive measures such as avoiding the triggering allergens (dust, smoke, strong perfumes) and changing the pillow cover every night before going to bed can reduce the further attacks.
Hope I have answered your queries; I will be available for the follow-up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Thanks for writing back
Apologies please do not get offended with my questions. I was trying to find out what exactly was given to you, so that I can help you in a better way.
1. You are on sub-cutaneous route allergen immunotherapy (SCIT), which is a recent concept to treat allergy. Redness, swelling, or irritation around the injected site is normal. These symptoms should go away within 4 to 8 hours. If the symptoms persist for more than this period, it means your body is over reacting to the allergens, which can be XXXXXXX
The best part is the IgE levels in the body are normal. Since your body is very sensitive for SCIT, you can request your doctor to switch over to oral route of immunotherapy (OIT). OIT is more easily administered, avoids cumbersome injections regimens, and carries a much lower risk of anaphylaxis compared to that of SCIT.
2. Could what I'm experiencing be due to the shots or just plain ole allergy symptoms unrelated to the shots.
A: As mentioned before, this is immunotherapy induced and not related to environmental allergy.
3. I'm just not sure if I need to look into lowering the dose of the shots.
A: Instead of trying to reduce the dosage of SCIT, it is wiser to switch over to OIT because; lower doses of immunotherapy will not fetch the desired results. Trying the sublingual route will give you some time to assess the efficacy of both the routes and keep you symptom-free for some period. If you are not feeling better with OIT, you can always switch back to SCIT.
4. Finally, continue with rest of the SOS medicines. It can be taken as and when required.
Hope this clarifies your doubt. Revert back to me if you have further queries, I will be glad to help you out.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Answered by
Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2542 Questions