HOW: SUBLINGUAL ImmunoTherapy (SLIT)
We hope the cedars don't bother us, but sometimes they do. Sometimes allergies of all sorts affect our daily lives here in the Sierra Nevadas. It is very common to see patients that are experiencing inhalant/environmental allergies such as hay fever or allergies to things like dust mites, pollens, pet dander, and molds.
Sublingual immunotherapy, often called allergy drops, works like allergy shots by gradually helping your body build a tolerance to the antigens or substance(s) that cause your allergies. The difference is that the antigen is placed under your tongue in a pain-free, customized liquid drop.
This area under the tongue is called the sublingual mucosa, and has the highest concentration of antigen/allergen presenting cells found anywhere in the body. This cell, called the dendritic cell, is the messenger that delivers antigens to the cells that enable allergy tolerance. By delivering daily allergy drops consistently to this cell, the body begins to tolerate things that cause allergic reactions.
Patients take allergy drops three times each day for two to five years, but can vary based on allergy type and patient adherence. Many people feel better within a few months, but sticking with the treatment is necessary to help stay symptom-free after allergy drop treatment is determined complete by a physician.
WHY: The ALLERGY DROP Advantage
Lower YEARLY allergy costs
Compared to shots and many medications, allergy drops typically cost YOU less over time. Immunotherapy typically costs over $10,000 annually, and insurance will only pay for part of the cost. Allergy testing ranges from $500 – $2000. Allergy drops are less expensive and require fewer office visits than Allergy injections. Most patients using allergy drops see a decrease in clinic & hospital visits the first year, and continuing to see improvement as time goes on. Fewer medical appointments can also mean less time away from work or school, more money in your pocket! Think about all of the money savings on medications, over the counter meds, and so much more!
Less medication
Our patients report, and research confirms, that they typically need less medication to control their allergy symptoms after beginning allergy drops.
Better Quality of Life, Long Term
The end benefit of allergy drop treatment is feeling better and enjoying life with fewer related hospital and clinic visits, and less time lost from work and/or school. Allergy drops have proven helpful for children with eczema and frequent ear infections, which often have underlying allergic causes. Research shows that many children with untreated eczema and allergies often develop asthma and other chronic conditions later in life, so treating them early can have life-long benefits and may prevent development of other allergies and asthma.
Treats the Cause, the Root of the Issue
We treat the Allergen causing the Problem, getting to the bottom of things. We see fewer rounds of antibiotics and steroids, which also means an OVERALL healthier gut and immune system. Treating the BODY as a whole is essential to us here at Big Trees MD! The goal of allergy drops is to help you build long-term tolerance to your allergens so ongoing treatment and medication is no longer needed.
Patient Convenience
You can take your drops where and when it’s most convenient for you (work, school, sports practice, vacation, etc.). They do not require refrigeration.
WHO: Could YOU benefit from ALLERGY DROPS?
Although most people with allergies can benefit from allergy drops,
they are especially ideal for:
Those who cannot tolerate or don’t respond to allergy shots/injections
Those with food and mold allergies
Children
Asthmatics
People with highly sensitive conditions
Those who are needle phobic
Those with chronic conditions including sinusitis
Those unable to commit to time/costs of allergy injection therapy
Those with multiple allergies including dust, pollen, foods, and animals
*Initial consultation can be done virtually