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From: sebb@pyuxss.UUCP (S Badian)
Newsgroups: net.med
Subject: Re: Allergies and Treatments Thereof
Message-ID: <340@pyuxss.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 12-Jun-84 15:30:18 EDT
Article-I.D.: pyuxss.340
Posted: Tue Jun 12 15:30:18 1984
Date-Received: Wed, 13-Jun-84 01:19:37 EDT
References: <427@ihu1g.UUCP>
Organization: Bell Communications Research, Piscataway N.J.
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	I have gone through testing and shots on two separate
occasions. The first time was in college. The testing was extensive
and I got 2 shots every week or two for dusts, pollens, dogs, and
cats. I stopped getting the shots because I graduated and was 
moving around too much to find another allergist.
	This winter I found another allergist and he did the testing
again and now I am getting shots for just ragweed pollen. 
	You should find a real allergist to do the testing and
shots. It's worth the money and the pain. The testing usually
involves the injection of an extremely small amount of allergen
under the skin. The dosage is increased until a reaction of a
certain severity is obtained. The reaction is not great, just a
small bump. Once the allergist determines your sensitivity
to the allergens, you can start getting shots. Some people
have had reactions, even severe ones, from shots. But allergists
are very careful. You have to sit in the office 15 min. after your
shot so if you do have a severe reaction they can treat you.
	The shots start out as being teeny-tiny amounts of allergens,
and the concentration is slowly increased. That is why relief 
isn't immediate and why you must always get the shots.
	The first time I had the shots I did find they helped,
especially the cat, dog, and ragweed. I'm no longer getting the
cat and dog because I can avoid them.
	If you are very allergic to all manner of things you should
probably get the testing and the shots. But, find an allergist
first. Find one that will do the interdermal testing because it
is currently the most reliable form of testing. Shots don't work
for everyone, but they help an awful lot of allergy sufferers.
I speak from experience. Hope you find this helpful and if you
have any more questions, just ask.
					Sharon Badian