Allergens are substances that can trigger an allergic reaction. Having allergies means your body reacts to allergens as a harmful foreign substance.



Allergens May Be:

• Inhaled in the form of pollens, mold, chemicals, dust mites, or animal dander.
• Eaten or taken by mouth, including foods, food supplements or medications.
• Touched, such as cosmetics, plants, soaps or detergents, chemicals, metals or latex.
• Applied to the skin, such as artificial nails, hair extensions, perfumes or henna tattoos.
• Injected under the skin, such as medications or venom from the bites or stings of bees, yellow jackets, hornets and other insects.

Allergy symptoms may be controlled by avoiding exposure to allergens. Some people need medications or allergy shots to control their body's reactions to the allergens.

Allergy Shots

Allergy shots may provide long-term relief and we can perform the injections, however your allergist must provide us with the serum. We encourage you to consider the following when making your decision:

• Allergy shots will probably help you.
• They are effective for most people and can reduce symptoms if you are allergic to pollens, animal dander, dust mites and mold.
• You need to take allergy shots for 3 to 5 years.
• For allergies to some grasses, shots have been effective for 3 or 4 years.
• Allergy shots work best when you are allergic to just a few allergens that are difficult to avoid.
• Children may use allergy shots if they have persistent asthma that is made worse by allergens.
• Children younger than 2 should not have allergy shots.