Treating allergies can be a complex task. Allergic reactions typically happen when your body views something benign as a threat. As a result, your immune system becomes very active as it tries to protect your organs, and it does this by attempting to get rid of the threat.
Typically, allergic reactions involve swelling to prevent perceived threats from spreading in the body as well as sneezing, watering eyes, and a runny nose. All of these reactions are designed to push the perceived threat out of the body via bodily fluids or by blocking the spread of a perceived threat.
How Are Allergies Treated?
In some cases, allergies can be treated through the use of antihistamine medications. These medications essentially block the allergic reactions that commonly occur when an allergen is introduced. Unfortunately, these medications only really treat the symptoms and do not alleviate the actual cause of allergies – the immune system’s perception of allergens as threats.
Immunotherapy is another type of treatment that involves gradually introducing increasing amounts of allergens in an attempt to desensitize the immune system to them. This can be done by injecting very small amounts of an allergen into the body, but it can also be done using drops that contain varying amounts of an allergen. Both of these methods generally require a titrated dosing schedule as the body adjusts the immune response as larger doses of an allergen are introduced.
Are Shots Better Than Drops?
Only your doctor can guide you in your healthcare decisions, but in most cases, allergy immunotherapy drops are just as effective as injections. One benefit that allergy immunotherapy drops have over injections is that there is no need to undergo invasive injections when allergens are introduced via drops. Additionally, the body’s reaction to drops may not be as severe compared to the reaction that comes along with shots, and drops may be easier and more convenient to administer outside a clinical setting.
Disclaimer: The above information is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult with your physician to discuss your options for alleviating allergies.
Author Resource:-
Alester Brown is a certified immunotherapist. She advises people on personalized home allergy and skin treatment at home. You can find her thoughts at sublingual immunotherapy blog.
