Hello. I am a college runner and have been running for several years now. I have asthma (not too severe) induced by allergies and it has been affecting my for several years now. I have gone to the allergist and he recommends I begin allergy shots, though he says it is a commitment and could take time before I see any improvements. He said it could be a year and a half before I see any effects at all, and I would have to come into the office every few weeks to get my shots, which could be hard as I’m a busy college student. Still, I value my running, and feel that any improvement to my pace would definitely be worth it. Anybody gone through this before?
I have a lot to say about this topic. I’m older now (late twenties), but when I was in high school, I ran cross-country and suffered from allergy-induced asthma as well. Likewise, my asthma was never too severe, and so the decision to get allergy shots was by no means a requirement. Instead, I hoped to increase my running times through receiving allergy shots and to lessen the effects of my asthma.
I was hesitant at first, but eventually decided to give it a try. While I know of some people who administer the shots themsevles at their homes, for most people, that probably won’t happen. For me, I started going to the nurse every two weeks, and she would give me three shots: two in my right arm, and one in my left arm. The shots were quick and relatively painless, but it still was a struggle coming in so often to get the shots. In addition, the nurse makes you wait in the waiting room thirty minutes to an hour after the shot due to certain side effects. While severe side effects aren’t common, mild ones are common, and as much as it is a pain to wait so long, it is pretty necessary. I suffered an allergic reaction once and luckily I was there to receive help.
As you mentioned, it takes a while for the effects to show. Even after a year and a half, I still wasn’t sure I could really see the effects. It’s difficult to know for sure if the shots are lessening your allergies or some other factor is doing so, but there was still no sizeable reduction in my allergies. After the first few months, I only had to visit the nurse every three weeks, which wasn’t as annoying, but it was still a lot of visits just for the shots. I kept telling myself it was important, but eventually, I gave up.
Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but I don’t think the shots are worth it if it’s mainly for your running career. You won’t see much of a difference, and by the time the effects kick in, you’ll probably be out of college anyway. If anything, it might serve as a placebo, but I just don’t think it’s worth it for most people unless their allergies/asthma are severe enough and allergy shots could be life-changing. For people with mild to moderate allergies/asthma, I just don’t think it’s worth it.
Of course, I’m not a doctor, but you already have a doctor’s opinion since you met the allergiest. As someone who has undergone the shots myself, I would say think hard about it, and only do it if you feel the time spent getting the shots as well as the money is worth it for you.