As you may know, Dr. Z has shared his personal experience with immunotherapy in the past. This effective allergy treatment, which comes in the form of allergy shots or sublingual allergy drops, can even send allergies into remission—just like it did for him. At AAPRI, we’re proud to be the only practice in Rhode Island to offer sublingual allergy drops, which are becoming an increasingly popular treatment. But, how do they work?
Small, incremental steps to a cure
Immunotherapy operates on the principle of introducing whatever it is you’re allergic to into your system in a safe, controlled dosage. The amount of allergen is gradually increased over time to allow your body to build up immunity or tolerance to the allergen and prevent an outbreak of symptoms. Unlike allergy shots, which are injections given in the doctor’s office, you can self-administer your allergy drops under the tongue. “The sublingual drops are very convenient and are a great option for kids and anyone with a busy lifestyle,” says Dr. Z.
Sublingual immunotherapy is especially effective for treating allergies to common allergens such as tree and grass pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold, and other pollutants found in the home.
Getting started on sublingual allergy drops
The first step is to pinpoint what exactly it is you’re allergic to. Depending on your symptoms, this testing may include allergy skin testing, such as scratch and prick testing. Next, we’ll do an evaluation to determine if this type of treatment is right for you. It’s important to understand that sublingual allergy drops are effective, but the treatment does not work overnight. It can take several years for your body to build up tolerance—and you need to be committed to the therapy.
Real relief from your allergy symptoms
Sublingual immunotherapy is a safe method of treatment for both adults and children. At AAPRI, we prepare your formulation of the allergy drops on site and monitor your response closely to ensure safety. “This treatment always begins with small, incremental steps,” says Dr. Z. “Increased over time, these small steps add up to a tremendous amount of relief.” On average, it can take around 3 to 5 years—and typically people start to notice a reduction in their allergy symptoms during the first year of treatment.
Sublingual allergy immunotherapy is a good option for people who:
- Are unable to avoid the allergens that trigger their symptoms
- Want to reduce their long-term use of allergy medication
- Are committed to the therapeutic process
Learn more
AAPRI is proud to be the only practice in Rhode Island that offers sublingual allergy drops. Schedule a consultation with us to learn more and to determine if immunotherapy is right for you.
