An Alternative Treatment for Allergies

Are Allergy Drops or Allergy Shots Right for You?

Oct 3, 2009

Allergy drops are an alternative treatment instead of conventional allergy shots. They are less painful, proven useful in Europe and making their way to the U.S.

Allergy drops have been used for years in Europe by those suffering with allergies. The drops are also known as sublingual immunotherapy. This convenient, economical and painless method is catching more attention in the United States, but they have yet to be FDA approved. If you are an allergy sufferer and do not want to undergo painful shots every week, this alternative may be a promising method for you.

How The Drops Work

Allergy drops are administered in two ways. They are placed under the tongue for a few moments and either swallowed or spit out and they are taken over a period of years. The drops work through the gastrointestinal tract. The stomach and intestines can tolerate these foreign substances or allergens and not overreact. After the allergy drops are taken over a period of time orally, the body is less likely to respond with allergy symptoms when exposed to the allergen, whether it is pollen, dust or pet dander.

The safety of this method of immunotherapy has been documented and proven in Europe. There are no reported serious or fatal outcomes for patients using allergy drops. There are mild side effects and about 1 in every 12,000 doses report lip, mouth and tongue irritation, eye itching, nausea, vomiting, cramping and diarrhea, sneezing, nasal itching and asthma symptoms. The symptoms can be treated at home. The drops can be spit out instead of swallowed, therefore decreasing the possibility of experiencing nausea, vomiting, cramping and diarrhea.

Who Can Choose Drops Over Shots?

Allergy drops can benefit young children, adults and pregnant women. Patients who have been to an allergist and have it medically documented that they have an allergic disease after being allergy tested can be considered for allergy drops. If you have allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis or allergic asthma, this method of therapy may be right for you. It is not recommended for those sufferers who are allergic to many allergens because of the amount of drops that would need to be taken. It is recommended for those who have a particular reaction to one or two allergens as most studies on this therapy have focused on this particularly.

In comparison, allergy shots are a proven method and are FDA approved. The allergy shot shows a better response to those undergoing treatment to cure allergies. On the other hand, shots are inconvenient because they need to be given at a physician's office. The allergy shot is considered superior in treating allergies, but allergy drops should become an option for those who can not undergo an allergy shot. Many people are afraid of shots or can not make it to their allergist's office.

The Current Availability of Allergy Drops

The FDA has yet to approve these allergy drops and it could be years before they get an approval. Many allergists are not using this therapy, but you may find some other healthcare professionals offering allergy drops. As always, use extreme caution if you plan to use these before FDA approval and talking to an allergist first before using this treatment is recommended. If you are an allergy sufferer and want to consider this convenient option, talk to your healthcare professional first and see if they are right for you.

More, D. M.D. (2009)Allergy Drops. About.com. Retrieved October 1, 2009 from Sublingual Immunotherapy

The copyright of the article An Alternative Treatment for Allergies in Allergies is owned by Toni D'Anna - Hernandez. Permission to republish An Alternative Treatment for Allergies in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.