What Is Allergy Immunotherapy?
While medications like decongestants and antihistamines treat allergy symptoms, immunotherapy treats the condition itself. It is a reliable treatment option if you want to reduce your use of allergy medication or find that it doesn’t relieve your symptoms. At Collin County ENT, we can help determine if allergy immunotherapy is a good fit for you and get you started with treatment.
How Does Immunotherapy Work?
Allergy symptoms are the result of the immune system overreacting and producing antibodies to attack an allergen. Consistent exposure to small but increasing doses of an allergen helps desensitize your immune system to it.
With immunotherapy, your body eventually learns to tolerate the allergen, which results in fewer symptoms when you are exposed to it.
Collin County ENT offers allergy drops, or sublingual immunotherapy.
Allergy Drops
Allergy drops are administered under the tongue. You’ll place liquid or a tablet containing a small amount of allergen and let it dissolve under your tongue. Similar to allergy shots, you’ll typically take drops weekly for several years with the goal of building up tolerance or immunity.
This treatment has been approved by the FDA for allergies to dust mites, ragweed and certain types of grass.
The first dose of allergy drops will be administered at our office. You’ll then stay for 30 minutes to ensure that you don’t have a severe reaction. After that, allergy drops can typically be self-administered at home.
Are There Any Risks with Allergy Immunotherapy?
Because immunotherapy contains a substance you are allergic to, there are some risks involved. Our team at Collin County ENT will help you manage any side effects that may arise.
Side effects to allergy drops are usually mild, ranging from localized itching in the mouth to intestinal discomfort. They often go away after several weeks.
Find Relief from Allergy Symptoms
If your allergies are more severe or other medications are not effectively relieving your symptoms, immunotherapy may be a good option. For those willing to commit to weekly drops for several years, it is an opportunity to treat allergies directly rather than responding to the symptoms. At Collin County ENT, we can help you determine if this treatment is a good fit for you and support you throughout your treatment.