Sublingual Immunotherapy (Optimal dose neutralization)

Proper control of allergies involves several steps. Avoidance of identified allergens is necessary, whenever possible. However, avoiding allergens is not always possible or practical (such as pollen). Therefore, avoidance is combined with a specific therapeutic management program that involves using sublingual optimal dose neutralization (sublingual immunotherapy). The concept is similar to conventional allergy shots, but instead of injecting the substance, patients self-administer their drops under the tongue on a daily basis according to physician recommendations. Use of sublingual drops may be seasonal or year-round, depending on the type and amount of exposure to that allergen. Symptoms are often controlled rapidly once immunotherapy has begun. However, periodic assessment may be necessary for long-term management.

A major advantage of using sublingual immunotherapy is that no cases of anaphylactic reactions have been reported in the medical literature, suggesting allergy drops may be safer than conventional allergy injections. A recent study published in Allergy (2001;56:989-92), showed that sublingual immunotherapy is extermely safe. Although the use of sublingual immunotherapy is considered "alternative" by conventional allergists, this method is not new or unusual. A 1998 report issued by the World Health Organization Committee on Allergy Immunotherapy stated that oral allergy drops were a "viable alternative to…injections". In Great Britain, it is the preferred method of allergy management. Many physicians in the United States have been using allergy drops for more than 50 years.

Allergy drops are convenient and cost-effective for patients since it requires fewer office visits to the physician and the drops are administered at home. The cost of the allergy vials is also substantially cheaper than injections, with an average annual cost of $500-$1,000 per year, depending on the number of allergens being treated.

In some cases, the physician may suggest personalized immunotherapy (i.e. if you are allergic to cats, using your own cat's hair instead of a standardized extract purchased from an allergy company), which often results in better control over certain allergies. Your physician will discuss the best way to approach treating your specific allergies.