Question 1

How many people have allergic rhinitis?

Accepted Answer

Surveys suggest that allergic rhinitis, sometimes called allergic nose disease or hay fever, affects many people in the United States. If symptoms are affecting your daily life, an evaluation can help identify a sensible next step.

Question 2

What are common symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms may include postnasal drip, sneezing, itchy or stuffy nose, runny nose, sinus pressure, headaches, and fatigue. Symptoms vary from person to person, so the team will ask about your individual pattern.

Question 3

Can allergic rhinitis affect quality of life?

Accepted Answer

Allergic rhinitis can affect energy, concentration, sleep, exercise, and other daily activities. Some people also find that certain allergy medicines make them sleepy.

Question 4

How do you know what I am allergic to?

Accepted Answer

An evaluation begins with your history and examination. Skin testing may be used to assess reactions to specific allergens. If initial testing does not clarify the concern, the clinician may discuss whether additional testing is appropriate.

Question 5

How do you treat allergic rhinitis?

Accepted Answer

There are three broad approaches to managing allergies: avoidance to reduce exposure where practical, medications that may help manage symptoms for some patients, and allergy shots or immunotherapy, a longer-term treatment approach that may be discussed for qualifying patients.

Question 6

What are in allergy shots?

Accepted Answer

Allergy shots contain carefully selected allergens that relate to a patient’s testing results and clinical history. The exact treatment plan is individualized by the clinician.

Question 7

Why do allergy shots take time to work?

Accepted Answer

Immunotherapy typically has two phases: build-up, in which doses are gradually increased until a helpful treatment level is reached, and maintenance, in which injections continue on a schedule designed to maintain that level over time.

Question 8

What if I cannot wait months for shots to work?

Accepted Answer

The original clinic guidance describes rush immunotherapy as an accelerated in-office option for certain patients. Eligibility, preparation, risks, benefits, and scheduling must be discussed with the clinician before this approach is considered.

Question 9

At what age can someone start shots?

Accepted Answer

The appropriate age for immunotherapy depends on the child, the allergy history, and the treatment plan. The care team can discuss whether allergy shots may be appropriate for your child.

Question 10

Is immunotherapy dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Allergy shots can cause reactions, which is why the treatment plan and monitoring are important. Patients with certain health conditions or medications may have different risks.

Question 11

Can I give allergy shots at home?

Accepted Answer

No. Family Allergy Clinic’s original FAQ states that allergy shots should be administered in the presence of a physician because of the risk of a serious systemic reaction. The clinic does not administer allergy shots at home.

Question 12

Do allergy shots work?

Accepted Answer

Treatment response varies by person and by allergen. The clinician can help you understand whether immunotherapy may be a reasonable option based on your history, testing, and care goals.

Question 13

Are allergy shots expensive?

Accepted Answer

Insurance coverage and out-of-pocket cost vary by plan. Visit our Insurance page and contact your insurer or the office to confirm current benefits and authorization requirements.

Question 14

Do symptoms return after stopping shots?

Accepted Answer

Long-term response after immunotherapy varies. Your clinician can discuss treatment duration, symptom control, and follow-up planning based on your individual experience.

Clear answers for common allergy questions.

For a severe reaction or asthma attack, call 911.

Allergic rhinitis and testing

Allergy shots and immunotherapy

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