Little Rock Allergy Shots
Allergy shots may be used to treat a variety of conditions including seasonal allergies, indoor allergens and insect stings. For most patients, allergy shots are not needed forever. The goal is to help the patient develop an immunity to the allergen after prolonged exposure.
Our team provides these regular injections for patients at our Kanis location in Little Rock, as well as our North Little Rock and Benton locations. If these locations are not convenient for the patient to receive their shots, our team can work with your local primary care provider to administer the shots in their clinic.
When you visit one of our clinics for your allergy shot, our team quickly prepares the shot and administers it to the patient. Our goal is to provide patients a quick and easy process for getting these regular injections.
To schedule an appointment with our allergist, call (501) 227-5050.
Click here to learn more about preparing for your allergy shot appointment.
How Do Allergy Shots Work?
Allergy shots are an immunotherapy treatment option that may be used to treat a variety of conditions including seasonal allergies, indoor allergens and insect stings. For most patients, allergy shots are not needed forever but are given over a period of time–generally three to five years. The goal is to help the patient develop an immunity to the allergen after prolonged exposure, eventually stopping or reducing the allergy attacks altogether.
Each allergy shot contains a tiny amount of the specific substance that triggers a patient’s allergic reactions–just enough of the allergen to stimulate the immune system but not enough to cause a full-blown allergic reaction. Over time, the doctor increases the dose of allergens in each of the allergy shots to help the body get used to the allergens (desensitization). The patient’s immune system builds up a tolerance to the allergens, causing the allergy symptoms to diminish over time.
***Allergy shots are not available for the treatment of food allergies or chronic hives.
Most people do not have trouble with allergy shots, but our office will monitor you for a short period of time after each shot to watch for any reaction that may occur. Exposure to the allergen could still cause a reaction in some people. These reactions include local reactions (redness or swelling, irritation at the injection site), systemic reactions (sneezing, nasal congestion, hives), or anaphylaxis (low blood pressure, trouble breathing). Local reactions are the most common with systemic reactions being less common, and anaphylaxis being rare.
The best way to avoid serious reactions is to get the allergy shots on a regular schedule without missing doses. Taking an antihistamine medication before getting allergy shots may reduce the risk of reactions. Check with your doctor before taking any medication to be sure it is right for you.
Our Little Rock Allergy Clinic provides patients a convenient option for getting regular allergy shots. The Allergy Clinic has a separate waiting area for its patients and our team administers the shot as quickly as possible. If our Little Rock Allergy Clinic is not convenient for you, our team can coordinate with your local primary care provider to have the allergy shots administered close to you.
Pediatric and Adult Allergy & Immunology
Dr. Meredith Dilley is now accepting new patients.