This spring one out of five Americans will suffer from seasonal allergies. Until now, the only lasting cure has been allergy shots. But, the doctors at Santa Clarita ENT are now offering allergy drops that are helping all types of patients.
Where does this new treatment originate? Sublingual dosing (or taking medication under the tongue) of allergy medication has been popular in Europe for over 10 years now. Santa Clarita ENT has embraced this new treatment since it is a well-researched approach to immunotherapy and has helped millions of people of all ages worldwide who have struggled with allergies without effective, long-term treatment options.
How do the allergy drops work? Allergy drop treatment works similar to traditional shots by delivering a slowly increasing dose of physician-prescribed antigen that builds the body’s tolerance. The difference is that the drops are placed under the tongue and affect the immune system through very specialized cells found under the tongue. Most patients take allergy drops each day for three to five years.
Who is a good candidate for these drops? It is ideal for patients who aren’t candidates for shots, such as those who are afraid of needles, cannot get to the doctor’s office on a regular basis (seniors), children and those who have certain pre-existing conditions, like asthma and hypertension.
What are the main benefits? Sublingual dosing treats the underlying causes of allergies, not just symptoms like most allergy medications on the market today. It leads to decreased use of allergy medications. It is a safer alternative as reactions occur three times less often when than compared to traditional shots. It works well for long-term control of allergies.
Any risks or drawbacks of the allergy drops? Allergy drop treatment is more convenient, requires fewer clinic visits and costs less. Minimal possible side effects of itchiness under the tongue and upset stomach are far outweighed by its ultimate benefit of treating a broad range of airborne allergies.
Allergy drops are not currently covered by insurance. However, the cost is very reasonable for monthly treatments, many times less expensive than allergy injection therapy. Patients administer the drops themselves at home, rather than coming in to the office for weekly injections, thus saving on insurance co-pays over the entire treatment timeframe.
For more information, please call 661-259-2500 or to make an appointment with Santa Clarita ENT for painless improvement of your allergy symptoms.