Do the benefits of a steroid injection for seasonal allergies outweigh the risks?
Allergies occur when the immune system recognizes a foreign substance as a threat. These foreign substances are called allergens and do not cause a reaction in other people.
Pollen from grass and other plants are allergens present at certain times of the year. When you come in contact with these allergens, your immune system becomes defensive, causing symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy or watery eyes.
Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, have no cure. However, there are a number of effective medical treatments. Some of these include:
·        Antihistamines
·        Mast cell stabilizers
·        Decongestants
·        Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids, a type of steroid hormone, are available as nasal sprays, topical creams, pills, and long-lasting injections. They work by suppressing inflammation caused by an overly reactive immune system.
When it comes to treating seasonal allergies, corticosteroid injections are the last resort. They are prescribed when other treatments don't work and symptoms interfere with daily activities. They are not the same as immunotherapy injections, which do not include steroids.
Read on to learn more about the risks, benefits, and cost of steroid shots for allergies.
How long does an allergy steroid last?
Long-lasting steroid shots for allergies can last anywhere from three weeks to three months. During this time, the steroid is slowly released into your body.
A long-lasting shot can mean that only one shot is needed per allergic season. However, long-lasting blows carry risks. In particular, there is no way to remove the steroid from your body if side effects occur.
There are few studies examining the effectiveness of steroids over time, as the risk of serious side effects increases with repeated use.
Cost of allergic steroid shot
The cost of a steroid allergy shot depends on several factors, including the type of corticosteroid, concentration, and quantity. For example, kenalog-40 (triamcinolone acetonide) can range in price from around $ 15 to $ 100 per injection. This does not include the cost of administration by the doctor.
Your insurance plan may not cover steroid shots for allergies, as they are not considered a first-line treatment. Contact your insurance provider to find out what your plan covers.
Steroid shots for allergies can relieve allergy symptoms. However, they can also cause short and long-term side effects.
The short-term side effects of corticosteroid shots can range from mild to severe. They may include:
·        Anxiety and restlessness
·        Insomnia
·        Bruising and thinning of the skin
·        Swelling and redness of the face
·        Hypertension
·        High blood sugar
·        Increased appetite and weight gain
·        Low potassium content
·        Mood swings and behavior changes
·        Salt and liquid retention
·        Stomach ache
·        Weakness near the injection site
Taking steroids for an extended period of time increasesthe risk of more serious side effects. Long-term side effects can include:
·        Avascular necrosis
·        Osteoporosis and fractures
·        Cataract
·        Cushing's syndrome
·        Diabetes
·        Glaucoma
·        Increased risk of heart disease
·        Herpes keratitis
·        Hormonal suppression
·        Obesity
·        Peptic ulcers
·        Psychological symptoms, such as depression or psychosis
·        Severe hypertension
·        Tuberculosis and other chronic infections
·        Venous thromboembolism
Side effects for people with chronic conditions
Because corticosteroid shots suppress inflammation and the immune response, they can hide common signs of illness and infection, putting you at risk.
People with certain chronic conditions may be at an increased risk for serious side effects following an allergy steroid shot. Be sure to tell your doctor or allergist if you have (or have had) any of the following conditions:
·        Fungal infections
·        Heart attack
·        Mental disease
·        An untreated infection
·        Cataract
·        Diabetes
·        Glaucoma
·        Heart disease
·        Herpes keratitis
·        Hypertension
·        Intestinal, kidney or liver disease
·        Malaria
·        Myasthenia gravis
·        Osteoporosis
·        A thyroid disorder
·        Tuberculosis
You should also tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, vitamins, or dietary supplements. Steroid shots are not considered safe for children and women who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding.
Your doctor will help you find the best treatment based on your current health, medical history and allergy symptoms.
Do all alternative treatments contain steroids?
Allergy shots and steroids are not the same. Allergy shots are a type of immunotherapy and do not contain steroids.
Allergy shots are administered over a period of several years. Each shot contains a small amount of the allergen. This amount is gradually increased over the first three to six months and then maintained with lower frequency hits for 3-5 years.
While allergy shots can eventually prevent and reduce allergy symptoms, they usually don't work right away. Sometimes, it can take a year or more before providing symptom relief.
Nasal corticosteroids are another common treatment for seasonal allergies. While these drugs contain steroids, they carry a much lower risk than steroids and pills because they target a specific area of ​​the body. Nasal corticosteroids suppress the allergic response and relieve many allergic symptoms including nasal congestion and a runny nose.
Over-the-counter medications
Antihistamines, decongestants, and combination medications are also effective in treating the symptoms of hay fever. Antihistamines block a protein called histamine, which is released when the immune system encounters an allergen. Decongestants help relieve nasal congestion. Some allergy medications include both an antihistamine and a decongestant.
Mast cell stabilizers are a type of medication used to prevent allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes and a runny nose. Eye drops and nasal sprays containing mast cell stabilizers prevent the release of histamine where they are applied.
Other allergy treatments include lifestyle changes and alternative therapies, such as:
·        Avoiding allergens
·        Antiallergic home and work space
·        Nasal rinses
Long-lasting steroid shots can help relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies. However, they carry a serious risk of side effects, especially if you take them long-term. In general, they are considered a last resort for treating severe allergies, particularly when other treatments don't work.