Hay fever injections alleviate allergy symptoms that are caused by hay fever. There are generally two different treatment options for hay fever that call for injections. The first one is immunotherapy, and the other is steroid injections. Immunotherapy injections are administered over a period of time, and they desensitize the hay fever sufferer from allergies. Steroid injections last only a certain amount of time and reduce the effects of hay fever on an individual during that time.
Also known as allergic rhinitis, hay fever is caused by allergens such as pollen, dust and pet dander. A person who suffers from hay fever might have allergic reactions to a various combination of these allergens. Allergic responses include sneezing, coughing and watery or itchy eyes. A runny nose, nasal congestion and itchy throat are other symptoms of hay fever.
Depending on whether a person suffers from reactions to indoor or outdoor allergens, symptoms of hay fever can show up at different times of the year. Symptoms can even last all year long if a person suffers from both indoor and outdoor allergens. The severity of the symptoms can vary as well.
Generally, people develop hay fever because of genetics or simply because of reactions to allergens. It often begins between childhood and early adulthood, but anyone can develop it at any age. Hay fever can interfere with everyday activities, which is why treatment is sought.
For some people, hay fever injections are the chosen treatment option. Immunotherapy, or desensitization, is one type of injection treatment method. The allergen is injected into the patient in doses that are increased over a period of as long as five years. This treatment enables the patient to get used to the allergen and eventually build up immunity. It also helps to prevent asthma.
Steroid injections are another type of injection treatment method. Though it might depend on the patient and the severity of the condition, steroid injections are usually injected once during the season or at the onset of severe hay fever. The single injection is meant to last for the allotted time only. In some cases, additional injections might be required if the initial dose has been absorbed before the end of the season.
Hay fever injections are not the only hay fever treatment options available. In fact, injections are usually the last type of treatment to be considered. Some of the first options are antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, eye drops and inhibitors. When these treatment options do not work to alleviate symptoms, hay fever injections might be considered.
