Pill May Soon Replace Allergy Shots
Local Asthma Clinic Conducting Study
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A local study is trying to determine whether a pill to treat ragweed is just as effective as getting an allergy shot, KMBC's Kelly Eckerman reported.
Eckerman said that some patients find the shots inconvenient and painful.
"A lot of times it itches when I get home and my arm will swell up a little bit. (It's) just aggravating," allergy sufferer Paula Fox said.
Eckerman said that the shots may soon be replaced by a pill. The Kansas City Asthma and Allergy Clinic is participating in a national study trying to determine whether a pill for ragweed is just as effective as a shot.
Allergist Dr. Jeff Wald told KMBC that if the pill works for ragweed, researchers can focus on other allergies. He said that while this may be the future of allergy treatment, there are still some things to work out.
"If someone has allergies to, say, 10 different pollens, is it easier for that patient to take 10 different capsules once a day, or is it easier to just get one shot once a week?" Wald said.
Eckerman reported that researchers are studying ragweed because they know much more about that particular pollen.
People interested in enrolling in the study can call the Kansas City Asthma and Allergy Clinic at (913) 345-2383.
Eckerman said that some patients find the shots inconvenient and painful.
"A lot of times it itches when I get home and my arm will swell up a little bit. (It's) just aggravating," allergy sufferer Paula Fox said.
Eckerman said that the shots may soon be replaced by a pill. The Kansas City Asthma and Allergy Clinic is participating in a national study trying to determine whether a pill for ragweed is just as effective as a shot.
Allergist Dr. Jeff Wald told KMBC that if the pill works for ragweed, researchers can focus on other allergies. He said that while this may be the future of allergy treatment, there are still some things to work out.
"If someone has allergies to, say, 10 different pollens, is it easier for that patient to take 10 different capsules once a day, or is it easier to just get one shot once a week?" Wald said.
Eckerman reported that researchers are studying ragweed because they know much more about that particular pollen.
People interested in enrolling in the study can call the Kansas City Asthma and Allergy Clinic at (913) 345-2383.
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