How does sublingual immunotherapy also known as allergy drops help treat allergies?

How Do You Treat Allergies?

As the sixth leading cause of chronic illness across the country, allergies affect over 50 million Americans annually. Despite the massive impact, medical advancements are making life easier for people suffering from this condition thanks to the different treatments available, including medications to treat allergy symptoms and allergy immunotherapy to treat the underlying cause of the allergy symptoms.

One effective method of treating allergies is sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), also known as allergy drops. This approach involves placing drops under your tongue according to a schedule given to you by your allergy doctor. This works like allergy shots, and will desensitize your immune system to the allergens to which you are reacting.
Read further on this detailed guide on everything you need to know about SLIT.

What Are The Advantages Of Choosing Sublingual immunotherapy (Allergy Drops)?

• Patients avoid the discomfort of allergy shots.
• There is less potential for systemic reactions.
• Allergy drops may be administered in the privacy and convenience of the patient's home.
• Patients save time because there is no need to travel regularly to the doctor's office, which also requires a 30 minute observation period needed with allergy shots.
• Allergy drops are more convenient for people who live far from the doctor's office or have a daily schedule that would make it difficult to schedule weekly allergy shots.
  
  

How Does Sublingual Immunotherapy (Allergy Drops) Work?

Sublingual immunotherapy helps treat allergies over time by gradually exposing your immune system to allergens that cause your symptoms, building your tolerance and eventually reducing your body's sensitivity to those allergens.

How Is Sublingual Immunotherapy (Allergy Drops) Administered?

Your uniquely prescribed allergen extract is provided in vials with a dropper that allows easy dosing under the tongue. In the morning, drops should be placed under the tongue and held there for 2 minutes, then swallowed. We recommend no food or water for 5 minutes after taking a dose. After that, there are no restrictions for eating or drinking.

What Allergens Can Sublingual Immunotherapy (Allergy Drops) Help Treat?

Respiratory allergies due to airborne environmental allergens such as:

• Pollens (trees, grasses, and weeds)
• Dust mites
• Animal dander
• Mold
  
  

What Are the Potential Side Effects Of Sublingual Immunotherapy (Allergy Drops)?

Reported reactions to allergy drops include itching of the tongue or lips (the most common reaction).Systemic reactions (anaphylaxis) have been reported and may include symptoms such as hives, throat tightness, wheezing, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, cramping, and a drop in blood pressure. These systemic reactions are extremely rare.

How Do I Get Started With Sublingual Immunotherapy (Allergy Drops)?

If allergy skin testing determines you would benefit from allergy immunotherapy, our physician will discuss the different treatment options with you. If you choose to begin allergy drops, your specific treatment vials will be prepared. Next, you return to our office, complete the necessary forms, then take the first oral dose of your allergy drops. You may then take your treatment vials with you to use at home. Our office will provide you with complete dosing guidelines and renewal instructions. Our physicians are available for emergency consultation 24/7 through our office and answering service after hours.

Who Should You Contact About Sublingual Immunotherapy (Allergy Drops)?

Call an ENT physician to learn more about sublingual immunotherapy. If you live in North Carolina, you can schedule a consultation with Queen City ENT in Charlotte and Monroe. Our physicians provide testing and different types of treatment, including allergy shots and sublingual immunotherapy (allergy drops) Contact us today!