Allergy shots typically start to show noticeable improvements in allergy symptoms within 3 to 6 months of beginning the treatment, with many individuals experiencing significant relief by 6 to 12 months. The full benefits usually develop more gradually over 1 to 2 years of consistent treatment. To achieve long-term effectiveness and potentially lasting remission of allergies, the treatment generally continues for 3 to 5 years. Stopping therapy earlier may lead to a return of symptoms, so persistence is key for sustained results.
Treatment Phases
- Build-up Phase: This phase lasts around 3 to 6 months, during which the dose of allergens in shots is gradually increased with weekly or twice-weekly injections.
- Maintenance Phase: After reaching the optimal dose, injections are spaced monthly and maintained for at least 3 to 5 years to promote long-term immune tolerance.
Timeline for Symptom Relief
- Some patients notice early symptom relief within weeks during the build-up phase.
- Most patients see substantial improvement within 6 to 12 months.
- Significant and consistent relief generally appears after 1 to 2 years.
- Long-lasting benefits can persist even after stopping shots if the full course of treatment is completed.
Factors Influencing Effectiveness
- Severity and type of allergies.
- Consistency in receiving shots.
- Individual immune system response.
- Environmental allergen exposure.
In summary, expect beginning improvements within several months, with the goal of long-term allergy control achieved after multiple years of regular treatment.
