Do shots or tablets help with allergies in the long term?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 29-year-old woman, and I often wake up with sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes. My doctor told me I have allergic rhinitis, likely from dust mites. Antihistamines help somewhat, but they make me so drowsy that it is hard to concentrate at work.

I am concerned about using nasal corticosteroids long-term because I have read they could thin the nasal lining. I would appreciate advice on safer ways to manage my symptoms daily, especially options that work well for women.

I have also noticed my symptoms seem to get worse around my period, and I am wondering if hormone changes might be making my allergies more severe.

Even though I use air purifiers and clean often, I have not noticed much improvement. I would like to learn more about immunotherapy, such as allergy shots or sublingual tablets, and whether they work well for someone my age, especially if it could help me avoid taking medication long-term.

Overall, I really hope to find a lasting solution because living with these symptoms every day has been difficult.

Please help.

Thank you for your time and help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Living with daily allergy symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes can be exhausting. These problems can make it tough to work, sleep, or enjoy your usual activities.

Based on your symptoms, especially those occurring in the morning and your likely sensitivity to dust mites, you may have perennial allergic rhinitis. You are correct that some antihistamines can cause drowsiness, which may further affect your daily life.

Nasal corticosteroid sprays are generally safe for long-term use if you stick to the recommended dose. When used correctly, the risk of nasal lining thinning is very low. Most people use these sprays for years without serious side effects. Hormonal changes, like those during your menstrual cycle, can also affect your allergy symptoms. Estrogen and progesterone can change how your immune system reacts and cause more inflammation in your nose. This might explain why your symptoms get worse at certain times.

For long-term management and to help you rely less on daily medications, allergen immunotherapy can be a good choice. This treatment uses allergy shots or tablets that dissolve under your tongue to help your immune system get used to allergens like dust mites.

Many people feel better and need less medication after completing a course of treatment, which usually lasts three to five years. Combining this therapy with steps such as using dust-mite-proof mattress covers, vacuuming regularly with a HEPA filter, and keeping the air clean often yields the best results.

With the guidance of an allergist, it is very possible to achieve meaningful and lasting symptom control, allowing you to breathe more comfortably without relying heavily on medications that can cause unwanted side effects.

I hope this explanation helps.

If you have more questions, please feel free to ask.

Thank you.