| Explaining Allergy Drops | Explaining Allergy Shots
What are allergy drops?
Allergy drops, also referred to as sublingual immunotherapy, are a series of liquid drops placed underneath the tongue. Allergy drops are not a medication. They are an oral vaccine that is custom mixed to contain traces of your specific allergens. By gradually introducing these allergens into your system, your body develops an immunity or tolerance to them. In essence, you start changing the way your immune system typically responds to the allergens. Allergy drops "turn off" your allergic reactions. With allergy drops, your allergy symptoms can be decreased, minimized or even eliminated.
Who should consider receiving allergy drops?
You are a candidate for allergy drops if complete avoidance of your allergens is impossible or if you:
- have only a few specific allergies
- are two years old or older
- travel frequently or have an unpredictable, busy schedule
- prefer to avoid needles or not to take allergy shots
- have changed your lifestyle or limited your activities because of allergies
- take multiple allergy medications but continue to suffer from allergies
- desire to live potentially allergy free.
How do allergy drops work?
Allergy drops work like a vaccine. Whereas a vaccine contains traces of a specific disease or bacteria, allergy drops contain traces of your specific allergens -- the very things that trigger an allergic reaction. By gradually increasing the doses of your allergen, your body develops an immunity and/or tolerance to that allergen. In essence, allergy drops turn off an inappropriate immune response -- your allergic reaction to a plant, tree, pet or mold -- while still allowing your immune system to respond normally to infectious agents, especially viruses.
What is my treatment requirement?
A regular schedule of self-administered allergy drops taken on a daily basis is required. Simply place the prescribed amount of custom-mixed solution under your tongue and hold it there for two minutes. You may administer these at any time of the day that is convenient for you; however, it is recommended that you administer the drops at the same time every day to ensure compliance.
You may begin to see the benefits of allergy drops within six months, but it may take as long as 12 months to see significant improvements. On average, allergy drop therapy is continued for three to five years.
You will be required to visit your allergist at least twice a year during your allergy drop treatment. These visits will help the allergist monitor your progress and will give you an opportunity to discuss any questions you may have.
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