Asthma shots: allergy injections and biologic treatment

Allergy immunotherapy gives controlled exposure to a confirmed allergen with the aim of changing the allergic response. It may be considered when a relevant allergy contributes to respiratory or nasal symptoms, but it is not suitable for every person with asthma.

Biologic medicines target particular immune pathways involved in certain forms of difficult-to-control asthma. Eligibility depends on the asthma pattern, previous treatment, clinical history and specialist testing. These injections complement an asthma plan; they are not rescue medicine for sudden wheezing or breathlessness.

Before discussing injections, the clinical team usually confirms the diagnosis, checks inhaler technique and adherence, reviews trigger exposure and considers other causes of persistent symptoms. Allergy testing or other investigations may help identify whether a targeted treatment fits the person's asthma.

Tell the treating team about previous reactions, current medicines, pregnancy plans and any illness on the day an injection is due. Follow the clinic's observation and follow-up instructions, and continue inhaled treatment unless the prescriber deliberately changes it.

Seek immediate help after an injection for swelling of the tongue or throat, widespread hives with breathing trouble, faintness or rapidly worsening wheeze. Separately, any severe asthma flare with difficulty speaking, blue or grey lips, confusion or poor response to prescribed reliever treatment requires emergency care.

Ask which type of injection is being proposed, what feature of your asthma it targets, how response will be assessed, what reactions require urgent attention, where doses are given and whether any current inhalers will change.