Allergy Shots For Allergic Rhinitis

Treatment Overview

Allergy shots are a type of immunotherapy treatment in which your allergist or doctor injects small doses of substances that you are allergic to (allergens) under your skin. This helps your body "get used to" the allergen, which can result in fewer or less severe symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Your allergist will use an extract of grass, weed, or tree pollen; dust mites; molds; or animal dander for allergy shots. You must first have skin testing to find out which allergen you are allergic to.

Your allergist injects under your skin a solution of salt water (saline) that contains a very small amount of the allergen(s). At first, you get the shot once or twice a week. You gradually receive more of the allergen in the shots.

Other ways to get this treatment are called cluster or rush immunotherapy, in which you reach the maintenance dose more quickly.