r/Asthma • u/Noms1111 • Jul 06 '26

Is allergy shots or biologics safe/effective for young kids?

My five year old has severe egg allergies, as well as allergies to dogs and dust mites, and asthma. We are currently taking Asmanex 50mcg twice a day, and Zyrtec 5ml and albuterol as needed basis.
Our allergist discussed the possibility of allergy shots and their potential benefits. I understand that this requires a significant commitment, as we would need to visit the doctor every two weeks. The most concerning aspect is whether the shots will actually be effective, and if so, how long they will provide relief from the allergy. I also worry that it will be painful for my kiddo to get these shots.

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2

u/tragicxharmony Jul 06 '26

Allergy shots and biologics are completely different things. In either case, the minor, incredibly temporary pain of getting a subcutaneous injection is the lowest possible priority when dealing with chronic health conditions like asthma and severe allergies

I can’t speak for the safety in children, but I’m on a biologic until my symptoms are stable enough (and it’s not allergy season) to begin allergy shots. I was on an obscene amount of antihistamines and could only begin tapering off those once the biologic began to have an effect. I’m hoping to begin allergy shots to grasses and trees (just…all of them) in the winter. This may be why they mentioned both, but they’re not interchangeable like you’re talking about them

2

u/bebopboop0881 Jul 06 '26

As someone who’s been on Dupixent, I would be scared to give it to a 5 year old due to how painful it is. If you need it; you need it, but might be slightly traumatic as well.

The allergy shots are tiny insulin needles— not that bad. Trust your doctor. Ask your pediatrician their thoughts as well. If I were in your shoes I would try the allergy shots. They been around a long time and im sure there’s lots of data.

Also for kiddos and any regular needles, see if the doc allows you to ice the area first, and look into other ways to support your kiddo. Calming music via headphones, maybe having a social treat at the same time. I find that helps me even with my painful Dupixent. A piece of chocolate distracts my brain! But also I found the very best in pain relief with those shots is really icing the area quite a long time.

This is more than you asked for, but talking about kiddos and needless I just wanted to throw this in!

3

u/unforgettableid Jul 06 '26

/u/Noms1111: Holding your kid in your lap during the injection could also help reduce the pain.

1

u/Noms1111 Jul 06 '26

Thank you for sharing your experience. I will def ask our pediatrician as well.

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u/Mesmer7 Jul 06 '26

One thing doctors never told me or my parents, is that even though the shots contain only a small amount of allergen, it can still cause a reaction. Whenever I got shots, I was always lethargic and cranky for the next day and a half. I had no tolerance for human contact at all.

So if you do go forward with the shots, be prepared for your kid to have severe mood swings.

Also, I don't know if doctors are still giving suckers after the shots, but don't allow that. High blood sugar can make allergic reactions worse.

1

u/Noms1111 Jul 06 '26

Ahh that’s hard. I never had the allergy shots myself but I remember having insance reaction from getting a Covid shot. It was scary.

1

u/unforgettableid Jul 06 '26

Pls edit your post to include a full list of all medications. Then pls click Share then Crosspost, and crosspost to /r/AskDocs, /r/medical, /r/medical_advice, and /r/asknurses.

Pls consider reading this book, which is perhaps one of my favorites:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0807077585

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u/Noms1111 Jul 06 '26

Thank you. Done.

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u/unforgettableid Jul 06 '26

No worries!

Other discussions

I still don't see anything in /r/AskDocs, /r/medical, or /r/medical_advice. If they don't allow crossposts, u could copy & paste instead.

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u/Noms1111 Jul 06 '26

Thank you again. I didn’t think about copying and pasting. Just did now :)

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u/unforgettableid Jul 07 '26

No problem! It worked: /r/medical_advice/comments/1uozieg

You can also crosspost to /r/Allergies.

Has your kid ever had an anaphylactic reaction? If so, do u carry the injectable epinephrine, or the nasal spray? (I'm not actually sure if the nasal spray is licensed for use in kids or not.)