Dealing with allergies can make the simplest tasks feel like a struggle, especially when pollen fills the air in the spring and summer months. Allergy shots offer one path to relief, but you may have another option.
Vandana Kumra, MD, offers comprehensive allergy consultations at ENT New York. Once Dr. Kumra identifies your specific triggers, she creates a personalized plan to manage your symptoms, which may include immunotherapy to reduce your sensitivity to certain allergens.
If you’re looking for a more convenient way to treat allergies at the source, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) may be what you need. Continue reading to discover how oral medications can replace traditional allergy shots, and if they might be the right solution for you.
Allergy shots — also known as subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) — have long been the go-to method for treating persistent allergies. They provide long-term relief from symptoms triggered by seasonal allergies, insect stings, and indoor allergens, including dust, dander, and mold.
SCIT involves a series of injections that introduce your body to increasing amounts of specific allergens. The purpose of this gradual exposure is to build your immune system’s tolerance, reducing the need for daily medications such as antihistamines and corticosteroids.
While highly effective, SCIT requires a significant time commitment. Typically, it means coming in one to three times per week for scheduled injections during the initial “build-up” phase, followed by monthly maintenance shots.
SLIT offers an alternative to conventional allergy shots. The underlying principle remains the same: desensitizing the immune system to specific allergens over time to reduce the frequency and severity of allergic reactions.
But instead of a subcutaneous injection, you place a small, dissolvable tablet or a few drops of allergen extract under your tongue to be absorbed by your body. This means you can self-administer the treatment at home (after the initial dose), eliminating the need to interrupt work, school, or other obligations for frequent clinic visits.
Oral medications are also considered safer than injections. While mild local reactions are common, such as mouth or throat irritation, the risk of more severe, systemic reactions is much lower than with SCIT. As you continue with treatment and your tolerance increases, even these minor side effects should fade.
The safety and convenience aspects make SLIT a great choice for children, busy professionals, frequent travelers, and anyone with a fear of needles. However, it’s essential to first consult with a specialist like Dr. Kumra to determine if it’s the best choice for your situation.
We primarily recommend SLIT for patients with allergies to specific types of pollen, including grass and ragweed, as well as those with dust mite allergies. We may not recommend SLIT for other common triggers, such as insect stings/bites, pet dander, or different kinds of pollen.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Kumra reviews your medical history, discusses your symptoms, and conducts an allergy test to pinpoint your sensitivities. Based on her findings, she then develops a personalized treatment plan for you, which may include SLIT, allergy shots, or other management strategies.
To explore your allergy treatment options and find the best fit, see Dr. Kumra and the team at ENT New York. Call us today to schedule your allergy consultation, or book online.
