Allergies are the sixth-leading cause of long-term illness in the United States, and for people struggling with severe symptoms, the condition can be more than a little bothersome. Imagine you planned a delicious picnic at Spencer Creek Park, only to find that you were met with itchy eyes, congestion and relentless sneezing upon arrival.
If you have been living with severe allergies and medication does not provide adequate relief, sublingual therapy may be an effective treatment option.
What Exactly is Sublingual Therapy?
Sublingual therapy falls under the umbrella of allergy immunotherapy. This treatment method gradually exposes patients to small doses of allergens, incrementally increasing the dosage to decrease sensitivity. While traditional allergy immunotherapy typically involves injections under the skin, sublingual therapy is administered as drops or tablets placed under the tongue.
Although allergy shots are generally deemed more effective for treating allergic rhinitis and asthma, many find drops or tablets preferable due to their needle-free administration and reduced need for clinic visits.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sublingual Therapy?
Your allergy specialist will begin with an allergy skin prick or blood test to pinpoint the specific allergens triggering your symptoms. Following allergen identification, they’ll assess your medications and overall health to determine if sublingual therapy is right for you.
Sublingual therapy is an effective part of allergy treatment for children and adults. While reactions can vary, people taking beta blockers and those with labile asthma are not usually candidates for sublingual immunotherapy. Pregnant women should also refrain from starting sublingual therapy during pregnancy. However, if they started sublingual therapy prior to becoming pregnant and had no adverse reactions, it’s generally safe to continue.
How Long Until You Notice Results?
Ideally, you should begin sublingual immunotherapy for seasonal allergies at least 12 weeks before allergy season begins. You can start immunotherapy for year-round allergies at any time following an allergist assessment.
When used as instructed, most patients experience symptom reductions within three to four months of starting sublingual therapy. Your allergy specialist will likely schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and recommend daily dosing for three to five years.
To learn more about if sublingual immunotherapy is right for you, contact Midwest ENT Centre today to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists.