3 Personalized Options for the Most Effective Allergy Relief

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Springtime should bring cheerful thoughts of warm weather, blossoming flowers and beach days. But if you live with allergies, it probably fills you with dread at the prospect of congestion, headaches, itchy eyes, coughing, shortness of breath and trouble sleeping. Though antihistamines and decongestants can bring some temporary relief, they can also cause other issues like sleeplessness, extreme drowsiness, dry mouth, headaches and hypertension. Fortunately for allergy sufferers, immunotherapy can drastically improve your quality of life without side effects.

As one of the most effective ways of treating allergies and asthma, immunotherapy addresses the underlying cause of allergies by slowly introducing increased concentrations of individual allergens in order to build up a natural tolerance. When administered by a highly trained, board-certified allergist, this process often results in near-complete relief of symptoms. Better still, immunotherapy isn’t a demanding procedure. It can be administered in drops, tablets or injections. Each option is safe and effective, so the choice depends entirely on what works best for you.

Drops

Sublingual immunotherapy—or more simply, drops—are a liquid dose of the patient’s personalized, doctor-prescribed allergens. They’re a convenient daily dosage taken under the tongue at home. So if you’re strapped for time, this might be your best bet. Doses gradually increase to build up your immunity without causing a reaction, and symptoms begin to subside after three to six months. The treatment is typically completed in three to five years.

Tablets

Individuals allergic to only grass or ragweed can try sublingual immunotherapy in tablet form for even greater convenience. Patients can easily pick up the prescribed, daily tablets from the pharmacy. That means fewer doctor visits overall while still receiving relief for grass and ragweed allergies.

Injections

Subcutaneous immunotherapy, also known as an allergy shot, is a personalized prescription of allergens delivered at a doctor’s office. A 30-minute wait post-injection ensures the patient doesn’t experience a reaction—a great chance to get some reading done! Patients start with injections once or twice a week. After the initial buildup phase is completed, that number decreases to once a month for maintenance. They’re a good option for anyone who wants to set a little time aside each month instead of taking a daily dose. Just like sublingual immunotherapy, allergy symptoms usually begin to subside after three to six months, and the treatment is completed after three to five years.

Choose the Best

Allergy & Asthma Specialists, the region’s most trusted source for allergy extract prescriptions, tailors each method to your specific needs with exacting doses. With years of advanced training and expertise, the fellowship-trained, board-certified allergists prescribe treatments that deliver relief without causing an allergic reaction. The extract is produced at the onsite laboratory under the careful supervision of the allergist. That means no matter what option you choose, you can confidently know that you’re receiving the safest, most effective immunotherapy. You can actually look forward to springtime next year!

Ready to find life-changing relief?  Schedule an appointment at an Allergy & Asthma Specialists location near you, call 1-800-86COUGH, extension 2 or visit their website today. Offices are located in Center City Philadelphia, King of Prussia, Blue Bell, Jenkintown, Doylestown, Lansdale, Collegeville and Pottstown.