Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is an exciting alternative to traditional allergy shots. SLIT uses allergens administered in a liquid or tablet form under the tongue to achieve immune changes similar to that seen with allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy or SCIT).
What Is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is the treatment of your allergies by slowly suppressing your body’s reaction to your individual allergens. Once you have been tested and diagnosed your personalized immunotherapy can begin. Treatment plans may include:
- Avoidance strategies to reduce reactions
- Immunotherapy drops
- Immunotherapy shots
- Symptom control with medication
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Types of Immunotherapy
The two main types of immunotherapy treatments are injections and sublingual drops.
- Allergy shots or injections are given over a period of time, usually 3 to 5 years, in order to desensitize your body to your specific allergen.
- Sublingual drops are used for the same amount of time and are placed under the tongue instead of injected.
What's Better, Injections or Sublingual?
Both injections and sublingual drops are used to treat allergies effectively but sublingual drops tend to be more popular with patients because they are more convenient. This is because patients can administer the drops themselves, on their own time, and without pain. Immunotherapy injections are inconvenient because the patient has to take time out of their schedule to go and get the shot weekly or monthly.
Allergy Immunotherapy has significant advantages:
- Fewer visits to the clinic means a lower cost: Allergy drops offer convenience and potential savings compared to injections, depending on your insurance coverage and treatment plan, with the added benefit of fewer clinic visits.
- Immunotherapy drops: Immunotherapy drops are formulated from extracts of allergens and are considered a safe option for many patients under medical supervision.
- You will need less medicine: With continued treatment, patients often report using less medication and feeling healthier overall.
- You will be able to enjoy healthier days: Immunotherapy can take anywhere from 3 to 5 years but your symptoms may begin to reduce within the first few months.
Do You Think That You or Your Child Coud Benefit from Allergy Drops?
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