Which Treatment is Right For You?
If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from allergies, you know that finding relief is a top priority. Those long days of sniffling, sneezing, itchy eyes, and pressure headaches can make you feel pretty miserable.
Luckily, there are many different ways to treat allergies and lessen your symptoms. With multiple treatment options, it can be tough to decide which option is best for you.
Follow along with the Cure Allergy Clinic experts as we compare two of our most popular treatments, allergy drops and allergy shots, to help you make an informed decision about which is right for you.
Allergy Shots
Allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, are a long-term treatment option. They work by slowly exposing your body to small amounts of the allergen you are allergic to. Over time, this exposure will help your body build up a tolerance to the allergen and lessen your symptoms when you are exposed to it in the future.
These shots are usually given once or twice a week for several months. Then, the frequency will be decreased as your symptoms begin to improve. We administer shots to those suffering from allergies to animal dander, dust, mold, trees, grass, and weeds.
Allergy Drops
Allergy drops, also called sublingual immunotherapy, work in a similar way to allergy shots. They also help your body build up a tolerance to an allergen by slowly exposing it to small amounts over time. Drops have been around for a while, but only recently became a popular treatment choice in the United States.
The main difference is that instead of being injected, the drops are placed under your tongue where they are absorbed into your bloodstream. Allergy drops are usually taken daily and the dosage is increased over time until you reach the maintenance dose.
Our team uses a unique form of sublingual immunotherapy to treat asthma, sinus issues, seasonal allergies, rhinitis, animal allergies, dust and mold allergies, and eczema.
Choosing Your Treatment
So, which treatment option is best for you? The answer may depend on several factors.
Types of Allergies
Allergy shots are usually recommended for people who are allergic to multiple substances or who have severe allergies. Allergy drops may be a good option if you have mild to moderate allergies or if you cannot tolerate shots.
Time Commitment
Another factor to consider is the time commitment. Allergy shots require one or two weekly visits to the doctor and can take several months before you start to see results. Additionally, after a patient is given the shot, they must be monitored for 20-30 minutes to ensure they will not suffer an allergic reaction.
Allergy drops on the other hand can be taken at home, placing a few drops underneath your tongue a couple of times a day. Allergy relief can be felt within 4-6 months, sometimes sooner or later depending on your situation.
Treatment Cost
Finally, cost is always an important consideration. Allergy shots are typically covered by insurance, but allergy drops may not be. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to see what is covered under your plan before making a decision.
Allergy Treatment in Arlington, TX
Both allergy shots and allergy drops are effective treatments for allergies. The best option for you will depend on your symptoms, availability, and preferences.
Whichever treatment option you choose, be sure you are choosing an allergy specialist you can rely on! Give the Cure Allergy Clinic team a call at (817) 774-9320 to schedule a consultation and begin finding allergy relief today!