When hay fever season subsides, you may be tempted to store your medications and not think about your allergies until next spring, but there is another option: start immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment that reduces your symptoms over time, meaning you can start it in the fall for less sneezing in spring.
There are two common approaches to allergy immunotherapy: injections and medication taken under the tongue, such as allergy drops or tablets. Both options can help reduce allergy symptoms, but they differ in how they’re administered, how often you receive treatment and which allergies they can address.
Here’s what you should know about each option before deciding which may be right for you.
Allergy Shots
Allergy shots contain small amounts of the allergens that cause your symptoms. You will receive the dose via injection for three to five years.
Your injection schedule will change as your treatment progresses:
- Build-up phase: During the first six months, you’ll receive gradually higher-dose injections once or twice a week.
- Maintenance phase: Once you reach your target dose, you’ll only need injections once a month for the remainder of your treatment.
Because allergic reactions can occasionally occur after an injection, you’ll typically remain in the medical office for about 30 minutes after receiving your shot. Serious reactions are uncommon, but this observation period allows your care team to respond quickly if one occurs.
Allergy shots can be used to treat pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander and certain insect allergies. They are not currently used to treat food allergies.
Some people notice allergy symptom improvement within the first six months to one year. More substantial benefits may develop as treatment continues, particularly during the second and third years.
Allergy Drops and Tablets
Oral immunotherapy is another excellent option. Instead of receiving an injection, you take the medication under your tongue in the form of a tablet or liquid drops.
Treatment also involves a buildup and maintenance period. The main difference is that you take your doses at home and daily. Your first doses may need to be taken in the medical office so your provider can monitor your symptoms.
The FDA has approved sublingual allergy tablets for dust mites, ragweed and certain grass pollens. Allergy drops may be prescribed in some circumstances, but they are not FDA-approved.
Symptom improvement typically starts after about three to four months with oral immunotherapy.
How Do You Choose the Right Option?
There isn’t one immunotherapy approach that is best for everyone. Here are a few factors to consider:
- Your schedule. Allergy shots require regular appointments, particularly during the build-up phase. If getting to the office frequently is difficult, oral immunotherapy may be more convenient.
- Your comfort level. If you have a strong fear of needles, oral treatment may be better.
- Your allergy type. Allergy shots can address a broader range of environmental allergens. Your allergy testing results will help determine which treatments are appropriate for you.
If you’re considering allergy immunotherapy, contact Eastern Oklahoma Ear Nose and Throat – Yale Office to discuss your options with one of our specialists.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic medical professional. (2023). Allergy shots. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25194-allergy-shots
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2024). Could allergy drops be the key to allergy relief? Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/seasonal-allergies/could-allergy-drops-be-the-key-to-allergy-relief