Baby Boomers Can Benefit from Allergy Shots

New research shows a 55 percent reduction in symptoms after 3 years of allergy shots

Allergy shots have long been a trusted treatment option for individuals with seasonal allergies that are poorly controlled by medications. However, up until recently the majority of research and treatment efforts have focused on children and younger adults, rather than seniors.

There are many possible reasons for this. Many doctors are overlooking the possibility of allergy treatment because seniors tend to have so many other more pressing medical issues. And having grown up in an era with less awareness of allergies, many seniors have never been diagnosed and are actually unaware of their allergies. Additionally, there was some initial concern than an aging immune system might make allergy shots less effective.

But it turns out that allergy shots, aka immunotherapy, is an excellent idea for seniors too.

How Allergy Shots Work

Allergy shots are kind of like a vaccine for allergens. The idea is that by introducing small amounts of an allergen into the patient’s system over an extended period of time, the body can be made to develop a tolerance for the allergen. Once sufficient tolerance has developed, the patient will experience diminished symptoms or possibly even no symptoms when they encounter the allergen in their daily life. This treatment does require a significant commitment including years of shots to build and maintain the tolerance to the allergen.

Proof Allergy Shots Work for Older Patients

Recently, a study appeared in the journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology that proves that seniors can benefit from allergy shots, despite their aging immune systems. For this study, researchers split a group of sixty individuals with hay fever, aged 65 to 75, into two groups. One group received allergy shots for three years, while the other group received a placebo shot.

At the end of the three years, individuals in the group who had received allergy shots showed an average reduction in hay fever symptoms of 55 percent. This reduced their need for allergy medications by 64 percent.

You Deserve Relief from Allergy Symptoms

No matter what your age, you deserve the best possible relief from your seasonal allergy symptoms. After all, freedom from symptoms—and from medications which may cause side effects in some individuals—will improve your quality of life.

If you would like to learn more about allergy shots, please contact one of our clinic locations today.