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Allergy Sufferers May Need Fewer Allergy Shots
Allergies are an increasing problem for people all over the world. The quest to help people breathe better is being undertaken by scientists, allergists, and researchers from all nationalities. Allergies, asthma, and air quality are issues that affect everyone. This week a new study was released that suggests a less painful process for allergy sufferers. The results of the study suggest that allergy sufferers need far fewer shots when doctors gave them injections into the lymph nodes instead of the usual jab under the skin.
The disparity in the number of shots is staggering. In one case, three shots into the lymph nodes provided the same protection as 54 shots underneath the skin. Also, the period of time from the first shot to the last was much shorter. The researchers from the University Hospital Zurich gave the lymphatic allergy shots over a period of eight weeks. Traditional immunotherapy injections for allergies take almost three years and require approximately 70 doctor’s office visits. Patients getting the new treatment needed smaller doses, had fewer bad reactions, and felt less pain.
The study was lead by researcher Gabriela Senti. The patients were monitored over a period of three years. While explaining the reasoning behind the study, Senti said, “The problem with standard injections is that only a small fraction of the pollen aimed at the lymph nodes ever reaches them to stimulate an immune response. With a direct shot, the injection delivers all of the vaccine into the gland.”
For more information on the methodology of this study, check out this Bloomberg article by journalist Chantal Britt. Senti and her team’s findings will be published November 18th in the American journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Posted by Jamie on Friday, November 14, 2008
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