Immunotherapy for Allergies

One out of five Americans suffer from allergies. For some, allergies are simply a short-lived nuisance; however, for millions it’s a life-altering disease. The only treatment that reprograms the overreacting immune system is immunotherapy, which is the administration of the substances that trigger allergies to the patient on a regular basis. This slowly allows the patient to acclimate to his or her environment.

Immunotherapy can be administered as shots or drops. Of the estimated three million people in the U.S. currently in immunotherapy treatment, almost all of them use shots, or a series of injections. However, a newer treatment uses drops placed under the tongue which affect the immune system of the mouth.

• Allergy Shots
  Of the estimated three million people in the U.S. currently in immunotherapy treatment, almost all of them use shots, or a series of injections. Allergy shots involve injection of the substances to which you are allergic in order to turn down your immune system and eventually eliminate your allergy.

• Allergy Drops (Sublingual Immunotherapy or SLIT)
  Drops, known as “sublingual immunotherapy” (SLIT), are another way to administer immunotherapy, and have been proven both safe and effective.