Allergy drops
Sublingual immunotherapy, often called allergy drops, works like allergy shots by gradually helping your body build a tolerance to the antigens or substance(s) that cause your allergies. The difference is that the antigen is placed under your tongue in a customized liquid form.
These drops stimulate dendritic cells to slowly desensitize them to allergens. For many, drops are a welcome alternative to allergy shots as they avoid needles, injections, and frequent clinic visits. Both are effective immunotherapy treatments but drops have their benefits.
Drops work by slowly introducing your body to the allergens you are most reactive to, slowly increasing the concentration over time. As your body adjusts, the concentration increases and your immune system is trained to no longer react to the presence of the allergen in your environment.
The drops are taken three times a day safely at home for approximately three to five years, depending on response. Drops are formulated according to allergy testing results and are the only immunotherapy option for patients on beta-blockers.
Benefits of allergy drops
- Viable option for everyone. People of all ages and conditions can take allergy drops.
- Lower cost, fewer clinic visits. Compared to shots and many medications, allergy drops typically cost less over time. Most patients receiving allergy drops need only a few clinic visits the first year, and then once every 6-12 months thereafter until visits are no longer needed. That can also mean a lot less time away from work or school.
- More convenient. You can take allergy drops at home or wherever you are, making it much easier to stay with your treatment.
- Less medication. Our patients report, and research confirms, that they typically need less medication to control symptoms after beginning allergy drops.
- Enjoy healthier days. The end benefit of taking drops consistently? Feeling better, more productive and better able to enjoy life and activities that allergies once made it hard to enjoy.
We can help you.
The physicians and clinical staff at Oakdale Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic are committed to your health and well-being. Allergies, sinus and nasal disorders, hearing loss — and many other ENT conditions — can disrupt and complicate life. That’s why we seek out the most innovative diagnostic testing and treatment options that bring real results, improving the quality of life for our patients.