Steroid Shots for Allergies

Steroid shots for allergies are used to relieve symptoms caused by inflammation. Long-acting corticosteroid injections, such as Kenalog (triamcinolone) calm the immune system when it overreacts to an allergen. This reduces inflammation and sometimes eliminates allergy symptoms.

However, steroid shots can cause side effects and long-term complications, so they are only recommended to allergy sufferers when all other treatments have not helped.

This article takes you through the short- and long-term side effects of steroid injections and provides alternative treatment suggestions for your allergy symptoms.

Benefits of Steroid Shots for Allergies

Steroid shots for allergies target both immediate and long-term allergy symptoms. The steroid is slowly released into your body and continues working anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

Benefits of long-lasting steroid shots include:

• Quick symptom relief: Shots typically begin delivering relief within 24 to 48 hours.
  
• Eliminating other medications: Shots can reduce or eliminate the need for other allergy medications.
• Improved life satisfaction: Symptom relief improves everyday life, increases activity levels, and extends time spent outdoors.

Common Side Effects of Steroid Shots for Allergies

While steroid shots can go a long way to alleviate allergies, it's important to be aware of the many risks.

Side effects that may occur right away or soon after (24 hours) steroid shots include:

• Increased appetite
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• Changes in mood and behavior
• Flushing (redness) of the face
• Short-term weight gain due to increased water retention
• Allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis, hives, and swelling)
  

Long-Term Risks of Steroid Shots for Allergies

When steroid shots are used frequently or for long periods, more serious side effects may occur. Potential side effects of long-term steroid injection use may include:

Diabetes

Steroid injections can affect diabetes by increasing blood glucose levels. Diabetic medication dosages may need to be adjusted.

Cardiovascular Disorders

Average and large doses of injected steroids can cause blood pressure to rise (hypertension), salt and water retention, and increased loss of potassium. Salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be necessary.

People with congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, or renal insufficiency should inform their healthcare provider of these conditions before being treated with corticosteroids. 

Weakened Immune System

Corticosteroids reduce the activity of your immune system. Steroid shots for allergies may increase your susceptibility to a new infection, conceal some signs of a current infection, decrease your resistance, and worsen fungal infections, other pathogens, or latent tuberculosis. The rate of these complications increases with higher doses.

Chicken pox and measles can be more serious or even fatal in adults and children receiving steroid shots. If you are exposed to chicken pox or measles while being treated with steroids let your healthcare provider know immediately.

Speak with your healthcare provider before getting any vaccinations while being treated with steroid injections for allergies.

Adrenal Disorder

Corticosteroids mimic the effects of hormones produced by the adrenal glands (located above each kidney). Cushing's syndrome can develop when there is too much of the adrenal hormone cortisol in your body. This can be caused by prolonged use of corticosteroid drugs, including steroid shots for allergies.  

Oral, inhaled, topical, nasal, and intravenous forms of corticosteroids may lead to adrenal suppression (preventing your body from making needed cortisol) which can be life-threatening in some cases. Steroid therapies must be gradually tapered off to avoid adrenal suppression.

Vision Problems

Corticosteroids may increase the incidence of cataracts, glaucoma (with possible damage to the optic nerves and blindness), and eye infections. For these reasons, your healthcare provider may monitor your intraocular pressure if you receive steroid shots for your allergies over a prolonged period.

Osteoporosis

Because corticosteroids have a major effect on the body's use of calcium and vitamin D, prolonged use can lead to bone loss, secondary osteoporosis, and broken bones. Long-term use of steroid shots for allergies may also lead to the suppression of bone growth in children.

Obesity

Prolonged use of corticosteroids affects metabolism and how fat deposits are distributed in your body. Steroid use leads to increased appetite, subsequent weight gain, and added fat in your abdomen. 

Complications for People With Chronic Conditions

If you have an underlying medical condition, you may notice additional side effects from steroid shots. Each chronic condition has different effects and they may include: 

• Diabetes: An increase in your blood sugar readings 
• High blood pressure: Blood pressure readings may rise 
• Glaucoma: An increase in the pressures within your eyes
• Congestive heart failure: Water retention or worsening of the condition 

If you have been diagnosed with a chronic health condition, let your allergist or healthcare provider know when discussing your allergy treatment plan. 

Alternatives to Steroid Shots for Allergies

If you live with allergies, ask your healthcare provider about trying one or more of the following alternative treatments.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy trains the immune system to remain stable when exposed to allergens like pollen, insect venom, and dust mites. Small doses of allergens are gradually introduced to your body, which helps your immune system to become less reactive to them.

Immunotherapy is commonly administered as allergy shots (injection) or sublingually with allergy drops or tablets placed under the tongue. Not all allergies can be treated with immunotherapy.

Nasal Corticosteroids

Another option is to use nasal corticosteroids, which target only the nose and don't have the systemic side effects steroid shots do. They relieve nasal congestion and inflammation but must be used daily for a few weeks to be effective.

Mast Cell Stabilizers

Mast cell stabilizers keep mast cells from releasing histamine. They are available for use in inhalers, nasal sprays, and eye drops. These medications tend to work best for prevention.

Antihistamines

Histamine is released whenever an allergen triggers your body. This reaction expands blood vessels and causes swelling. Antihistamines reduce swelling and block symptoms like stuffy nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. Over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines are available.

Lifestyle Changes

There are a few ways you can reduce your exposure to allergens and irritants with lifestyle changes including:

• Staying inside and keeping windows closed to avoid seasonal pollen
• Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter (these filters remove more than 99% of allergens like pollen, pet dander, and mold)
• Cleaning well and often
• Using bedding and pillow covers to reduce dust mite exposure

Summary

Steroid shots for allergies are used to relieve inflammatory symptoms. Long-acting corticosteroid injections prevent the immune system from overreacting to allergens. Shots can eliminate some or all of your allergy symptoms, making it possible to go without the need for other medications.

However, steroid shots can cause side effects such as increased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and short or long-term weight gain. Complications from long-term steroid use can include vision problems, adrenal disorders, and a weakened immune system. For those with manageable symptoms, alternative treatments and lifestyle changes can replace steroid shots for allergies.