Are Allergy Shots or Allergy Drops Best for Me?
Whether you’re allergic to environmental allergens, food, or another substance, having allergies can significantly impact your daily quality of life. For some patients, antihistamines are not enough to treat their symptoms — which means regular treatment may be required.
At Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia, we offer allergy shots and allergy drops to help patients seek relief for their allergy symptoms. Learn more about immunotherapy for treating allergies and other conditions:
How Does Immunotherapy Work?
Allery immunotherapy gradually desensitizes the immune system to certain allergens through regular, monitored substance exposure. Our board-certified allergists at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia use allergy testing to identify your specific allergic triggers and sensitivities. Once our team has identified the specific allergens causing your symptoms, custom extract containing those allergens is developed for the patient. For most, this can be offered in allergy shot or allergy drop form.
Our immunotherapy program is directed by our board-certified, highly experienced allergists.
Allergy Shots
Allergy shots are the only treatment that changes the immune system, instead of temporarily masking allergy symptoms. They are the closest thing to a ‘cure’ and best treatment for patients with year-round or severe seasonal allergies. According to the National Institute of Health, 85% of people with allergic rhinitis will benefit from allergy shots within the first year, lessening their symptoms and need for medication.
The patients most likely to benefit from allergy shot treatment are people who:
- Are allergic to difficult to avoid indoor allergens, like dust mites.
- Are allergic to animal dander and have or would like to have a pet.
- Suffer from significant seasonal or year-round allergies.
- Suffer from an allergy-related condition, such as asthma and recurrent sinusitis.
- Are allergic to insect stings.
- Frequently miss work or school due to severe allergy and asthma symptoms
- Find that allergy medicine is no longer effective, or that the side effects of allergy medicine interfere with daily life.
- Want to treat the cause of their allergy, not just the symptoms.
Allergy Drops
Allergy drops (sublingual immunotherapy) are a reliable at-home alternative to allergy shots. Allergy drops are administered in small, increasing amounts in liquid drop form, placed under the tongue daily. Drops work well for patients who travel frequently, have difficulty getting to the office for shots, or have a skin condition that prevents injection administration.
Read More: Treating Allergy Symptoms With Allergy Drops.
Benefits of Allergy Drops
With allergy drops, Atlanta patients can receive effective immunotherapy without regular office visits or allergen injections. This option may be best for patients who do not want to regularly travel to our office for injections, or for younger patients who may fear allergy shots.
Those who best benefit from allergy drops include those who:
- Desire long-term allergy control but travel frequently or cannot get to the office regularly.
- Suffer from outdoor allergens like grass, ragweed, and tree pollens.
- Suffer from indoor allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, or mold.
- Prefer sublingual administration rather than an injection.
- Desire treatment different from allergy medications.
- Want to treat the allergy cause rather than the symptoms.
Treat Your Allergies Today at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia
Speak to one of our Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia board-certified allergy specialists about immunotherapy, shots or drops, to find relief. Our board-certified doctors understand that these conditions may cause severe discomfort and offer a same day or next day appointment policy that ensures you receive timely care.
Our team of board-certified allergy specialists will discuss your options and recommend an appropriate course of treatment. Contact us at (770) 459-0620 or visit us online to book your appointment.