Immunotherapy

Allergy immunotherapy is a treatment protocol that decreases sensitivity to allergens by exposing the immune system to small, controlled doses, building immunity over time. For patients whose allergies resist conventional treatments, like over-the-counter antihistamines, this method has been proven to provide long-term symptom relief.

• Allergy Shots (Subcutaneous Immunotherapy – “SCIT”)
• Allergy Drops (Sublingual Immunotherapy – “SLIT”)

The standard in allergy treatment for decades, subcutaneous immunotherapy involves regular injections of allergens into the upper arm to build immunity or tolerance over time. This therapy is administered at your allergy clinic and has two distinct phases:

• Build-Up Phase: During this phase, weekly injections of increasing dosages are administered for several months. Once you reach an effective dose where you no longer show symptoms, the next phase begins.
• Maintenance Phase: This phase can last several years and consists of a normalization of doses and less frequent injections, typically every few weeks.

Allergy shots have been highly effective at relieving a wide range of allergies, including seasonal, indoor, and insect sting allergies. With regular treatment, you can expect long-lasting benefits. Allergy shots also help reduce the need for daily allergy medications.

Though allergy shots have been in use for decades and have been proven to be very safe, the substance used in this type of therapy is something you are allergic to. Some people may experience minor local reactions near or around the injection site, but severe reactions are very rare. Because of the small risk of anaphylaxis these shots can pose, they are typically administered in the office.

For most patients, symptom improvement is often seen in the first year, with continued benefits throughout the course of therapy.

Sublingual immunotherapy, or allergy drops, is a therapy developed to treat allergies by administering small doses of allergen to the patient. Over time, these small doses help the body’s immune system build up tolerance to the allergen, reducing and sometimes eliminating allergic reactions. These drops can be taken orally, making them a safe and convenient option for many patients.

As a noninvasive option, allergy drops work by placing small amounts of liquid allergen under the tongue. Because this therapy works within the body to combat the cause of allergies rather than the symptoms, it is more effective than over-the-counter medications at providing relief.

As with allergy shots, the dosage is gradually increased over time. However, allergy drops are typically administered daily, with treatment lasting between three and five years.

For many, sublingual immunotherapy has become a convenient means of treatment. Because it’s noninvasive, it has a much lower risk of triggering severe reactions compared to shots. Allergy drops are also an ideal solution for patients with needle phobia or those whose schedules make it difficult to come to an office regularly for shots.

While the list of specific allergies that allergy drops can treat is growing, this method of allergy immunotherapy is currently most effective for treating grass, ragweed, pet dander, and tree pollen allergies, as well as asthma related to dust mites.

• Identifying the allergen is the first priority and is determined through skin testing.

• Drops are prepared by taking the results of the allergy test and creating a specially formulated extract of the allergen.
• Taking the drops is easy and is done by placing drops under the tongue and holding them there for up to two minutes before swallowing.

Most patients need to continue to take allergy drops daily for three to five years in order to build up sufficient immunity to a specific allergen.

Allergy drops can be an effective treatment option for a variety of individuals whose allergies don’t respond well to traditional treatments. If decongestants and antihistamines aren’t effective at controlling your symptoms, sublingual immunotherapy may be an option..

This therapy can be a great choice for those suffering from pollen, grass, or animal dander allergies. Others may choose this option for its convenience and as a needle-free option for administering allergy treatment at home.

• Initial Phase: During the initial phase, daily administration begins once the allergen has been identified and the formulation prepared.

• Maintenance Phase: During this phase, continued daily use over a period of three to five years is needed to build and maintain immunity to the allergen.
• Follow-Up: Regular check-ins with our team of experts can help you monitor progress and provide opportunities for adjusting treatment as necessary.

Patience and consistency are key to achieving the best results with allergy drops.

Most who consider allergy drops find them easy to incorporate into their daily lives. Side effects are typically mild but may include temporary tingling or itching within the mouth. Although rare, some patients report intestinal discomfort during the initial weeks that typically resolves itself.