Suppose your child experiences watery eyes and a runny nose every time they play at Broughton Park. In that case, they may benefit from treating their allergies with sublingual immunotherapy, otherwise known as allergy drops.
What is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a form of treatment that builds tolerance to an allergen by introducing it to the body in small doses over a period of time. It’s traditionally given in the form of allergy shots which involve regular injections over several years. These shots are administered in a doctor’s office or medical clinic.
Potential Side Effects of Allergy Shots
Allergy shots are effective and generally safe. However, because allergy shots contain a substance you are allergic to, there are some risks involved. You may experience
- Swelling and redness at the injection site
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Hives
More severe reactions such as wheezing or chest tightness, and in rare cases, anaphylaxis can occur.
How are Allergy Drops Different from Allery Shots?
Much like allergy shots, allergy drops work by getting your body used to the allergen slowly. However, they offer several key benefits that may make them the preferred form of immunotherapy for your child.
- Allergy drops are taken orally, which means children can avoid injections
- They also can be taken at home, removing the hassle of frequent trips to the doctor’s office
- Compared to allergy shots, they have milder side effects and a lower risk of severe side effects
Do Allergy Drops Work for Children?
Studies examining the effectiveness of sublingual therapy for use in children have repeatedly found it to be effective in reducing or relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma in children.
Unlike other allergy treatments, which aim to manage symptoms, the goal of allergy shots is to build up the body’s immunity to allergens, so that your child no longer experiences symptoms once the treatment is over.
Suffering from chronic allergy symptoms has been shown to negatively disrupt a child’s ability to get a good night’s sleep or make it hard to perform well in school. Treatment with allergy drops may be able to improve your child’s health and quality of life significantly.
If you would like to learn more about sublingual immunotherapy or other allergy treatments, contact Pinnacle ENT Associates today to speak with an expert or schedule an appointment.