Are you suffering from allergies and have tried just about every allergy product on the market?
Are you frustrated because nothing seems to relieve your allergy symptoms?
Well, the allergists at Northeast Atlanta ENT offer an effective, safe solution for allergy sufferers— allergy drops (also known as sublingual immunotherapy, allergy immunotherapy drops, sublingual allergy drops, or SLIT).
What are Allergy Drops? What are the Benefits of Allergy Drops?
SLIT is a form of immunotherapy, and it is a safe and effective method to relive your allergy symptoms. The drops are also considered an alternative treatment to allergy shots. The process of placing the drops of allergen extracts underneath the tongue and swallowing it is referred to as allergy drops.
Since the allergen extracts become absorbed by the stomach lining, your body will become tolerant of the allergen over a period of time.
In Europe, allergy drops are much more common nowadays than allergy shots (injections). In the United States, more and more people are using allergy drops to save time and money, and to get the relief they need.
Allergy sufferers must administer the drops on a daily basis and over a period of months to years.
Allergy drops have been proven effective for those suffering from allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis (when a person exhibits hayfever-like symptoms). Allergy drops are also effective to a lesser extent for those with allergic asthma.
One major benefit of allergy drops: you no longer need the weekly doctor appointment! Allergy drops are convenient since the patient administers the drops at home.
Another major benefit is the fact that patients will start to see the advantages and positive effects within 3-6 months.
Are Allergy Drops Safe?
Northeast Atlanta ENT works with a supplier, ALK-Abello, for the allergy drops. They provide drops on a worldwide basis, which means they have extensive experience with injectable and sublingual extracts.
Throughout the past 10 years, allergy drops have been proven to be safe, and these results are very well documented. There have been no serious or fatal reactions to SLIT reported to date. The majority of patients may experience mild side effects (i.e. itchy mouth).
In approximately 1 out of every 12,000 doses, the following moderate side effects have been documented:
eye itching, swelling, and/or redness
nausea or vomiting
abdominal cramping
diarrhea
lip, mouth, and tongue irritation
sneezing
nasal itching
nasal congestion
asthma symptoms
hives or swelling
Since SLIT is proven to be a safe treatment method, patients are able to treat themselves in their own home. Your ENT doctor may recommend periodic appointments so that he or she can monitor your physical responses to allergy drops.
Allergy Immunotherapy Drops Versus Allergy Shots
In the United States, patients have been using allergy shots for many years now. As mentioned, many studies have proven its effectiveness and its benefits for patients. We are anxiously awaiting FDA approval within the United States. Unfortunately, the FDA has not yet approved allergy drops. However, as documented, allergy drops are frequently prescribed in Europe.
Many people often compare allergy drops and allergy shots. We feel that allergy drops are an excellent treatment option for patients who cannot use allergy injections (shots). Some reasons they cannot use the allergy injections method include: time constraints, needle phobia, and/or they are taking certain medications that may prevent the use of allergy shots.
Get Relief Today From Your Allergy Symptoms
If you are completely frustrated with your allergy symptoms, give us a call today. We will be more than happy to speak with you regarding your symptoms, and to find out if allergy drops are right for you.
Give us a call today at our location nearest you (we have two offices, one ENT office in Lawrenceville, and the other in the Johns Creek/Suwanee GA area)!
