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Allergy Injection Treatment Procedures and Precautions

Patients Educational Materials Allergy Injection Treatment Procedures

Allergy Injection Treatment Procedures and Precautions

Method of Administration

Allergy injections are given subcutaneously, half-way between the elbow and the shoulder along the outer aspect of the back of the upper arm, or the outside of the mid-thigh. They should not be given too shallowly in the skin, nor should they ever be given without first aspirating (drawing back on the syringe plunger after the needle is in the tissue). If blood is seen when aspirating, the needle should be withdrawn before injecting and another area should be used for the injection. If there are 2 vials (such as “LEFT” and “RIGHT”), there should be 2 injections each time shots are given unless the doctor instructs otherwise. Some injections will be given from individual numbered unit dose vials while other will be dispensed from a larger multi-dose vial according to instructions specific for an individual patient.

A disposable 1 cc allergy treatment syringe with the ½ or 5/8 inch, 25, 26 or 27 gauge, regular bevel needle should be used to give the injections.

Important Precautions

  • The injections should never be administered unless injectable epinephrine 1:1000 is immediately available and there is a reliable person other than the patient to inject it.
  • OAAC requires that allergy injections be administered by a medically competent person in a medical facility equipped to treat (possible severe) allergic reactions. This advice encompasses all patients – even doctors, nurses, and other health professionals who are allergy patients.
  • Administration of allergy shots outside of an OAAC shot treatment room (for example your physician’s office) must be cleared by your OAAC physician (not just from your primary care physician or other health care provider); please do not proceed without it.

Injection Reactions

Allergy injection treatment is intended to decrease a patient’s sensitivities so that in time he/she will feel better. Injections should not cause allergy symptoms. Whenever problems occur, please discuss it with your OAAC doctor or staff.

A local reaction to an allergy injection consists of redness, soreness, itching, and/or swelling at the injection site. Most allergic individuals can be expected to have some local reaction at times. Some will have moderate local reactions regularly, at least until they have been on treatment for many months.

Should there be an excessive (greater than a quarter or 25 cent piece in diameter and lasting more than 24 hours) local reaction after an injection, an antihistamine (like Benadryl, Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec or Xyzal), cold compress, and topical steroid cream may be used for symptom relief. Your OAAC physician and staff must be notified of the dose number and of the name of the specific vial before more injections are given. A dosage reduction may be indicated.

Systemic (generalized) anaphylaxis reactions to allergy injections are rare (0.015 to 0.02% of injections administered at OAAC Clinics). However, if they occur, prompt treatment with Epinephrine and not just an antihistamine like Benadryl is vitally important. It could save your life. In the event of a systemic (generalized) reaction after an allergy injection, there may or may not be marked swelling at the injection site, plus a vague feeling of apprehension and itching of the palms followed by generalized hives, flushing, sneezing, nasal congestion, increased mucus production or throat clearing, difficulty breathing, coughing, or wheezing.

PATIENTS MUST WAIT 20-30 MINUTES AFTER AN INJECTION SO THAT THEY MAY BE OBSERVED FOR SIGNS OF A GENERALIZED REACTION.

This type of reaction requires treatment with Epinephrine and not just an antihistamine like Benadryl. Prompt medical attention is always needed. If the shot was given at a location other than an OAAC treatment room your clinic physician must be notified before further allergy injections are given because dosage reduction is mandatory. Your OAAC physician is always notified by staff of systemic reactions which occur at an OAAC treatment room.

Beta blocker drugs may make systemic reactions more difficult to treat and you must notify your OAAC physician if you are taking one.

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Asthma, Allergies and Pregnancy

 

If you are pregnant and have asthma or allergies, you may feel uneasy about taking medications, but it is very important to keep your symptoms under control.

How do you stay healthy and know which medications are best for you during your pregnancy?

An allergist / immunologist, often referred to as an allergist, can tell you which asthma and allergy medications are the safest and most effective to take throughout pregnancy. Make an appointment with an allergist soon after you discover you are pregnant to develop or review your personal treatment plan and to give you peace of mind.

In the meantime, here are answers to some common questions.

Can women with asthma have safe pregnancies?
Yes. With good asthma management, you can keep your asthma under control and have a healthy baby.

How does uncontrolled asthma affect the fetus?
Uncontrolled asthma symptoms can cause a decrease in the amount of oxygen in your blood supply. The fetus gets its oxygen from your blood. Since a fetus needs a constant supply of oxygen for normal growth and development, managing asthma symptoms is very important to allow you and your baby to get enough oxygen.

Is it safe to take my asthma medications?
The risks of asthma flare-ups are greater than the risks of taking necessary asthma medications. Studies show that most inhaled asthma medications are safe for women to use while pregnant. However, oral medications (pills) should be avoided unless necessary to control symptoms. Knowing which medications to take is a good reason to stay in close contact with your allergist so he or she can monitor your condition and alter your medications or dosages if needed.

Will being pregnant affect my asthma symptoms?
Pregnancy may affect the severity of your asthma symptoms. One study showed that asthma symptoms were worse in 35% of pregnant women, improved in 28% and remained the same in 33% of pregnant women. Asthma has a tendency to get worse in the late second and early third trimesters.

Can I continue to get allergy shots during pregnancy?
Allergy shots (a form of immunotherapy) are safe to take while you are pregnant. As always, your allergist will monitor your dose to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction to the shots. These reactions are rare; however, a reaction could be harmful to the fetus. Allergy shots are not started on patients who are pregnant but can be continued on patients who become pregnant while receiving it. Although current immunotherapy doses can be maintained during pregnancy, doses should not be increased until after delivery.

What should I avoid if I have asthma or allergies?
Whether you are pregnant or not, you should stay away from things that trigger your symptoms. This might include dust mites and animal dander, and irritants such as cigarette smoke.

Can women with asthma perform Lamaze?
Most women with asthma are able to do Lamaze breathing techniques without any problems. Asthma symptoms are rare during labor and delivery in women whose asthma has been managed during pregnancy.

Can I breastfeed if I am taking medications for my asthma or allergies?
Breastfeeding is a good way to increase your child's immunity, and it is strongly recommended. Medications recommended for use during pregnancy can be continued while nursing, because the baby gets less maternal medicine through breast milk than in the womb. Your allergist can discuss with you the best treatments while nursing.

Healthy Tips
Although these are common questions during pregnancy, each patient's individual treatment varies. It is best to visit your allergist regularly during pregnancy so that any worsening of asthma can be countered by appropriate changes in your asthma management plan. Make sure to discuss any specific concerns with your physician to ensure the healthiest pregnancy for your well being and that of your baby.

• You can have a healthy pregnancy if you have asthma or allergies.
• Managing your symptoms is very important during pregnancy.
• Do not stop taking your medications.
• An allergist has special training to develop or review a treatment plan that is right for you while you are pregnant.

 www.aaaai.org

 

The post Asthma, Allergies and Pregnancy appeared first on Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic.

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