Allergies have been known to affect millions across the world in their daily lives, and they always need to be managed. Though very common, allergy immunotherapy takes two popular forms that differ in their convenience and effectiveness— allergic shots and allergic drops.
Allergy shots, also known as subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), are a treatment in which patients receive injected minimal quantities of the substances that they are allergic to. The treatment tries to desensitize the immune system towards certain allergens progressively, with the aim to make allergic reactions not as intense. Allergy shots are generally administered through the healthcare system; hence, patients have to make regular clinical visits for the period during which the treatment is used. The alternative is allergy drops, or sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), which require patients to put small doses of allergen extracts under their tongues at home. The goal of allergy drops, like allergy shots, is to desensitize the immune system to the allergens, but they are much less invasive and far more convenient. Allergy drops can be taken at home, eliminating the need for frequent visits to a healthcare provider.
The primary difference between allergy shots and allergy drops is their administration method. Allergy drops are taken orally, while shots include injecting allergens, a much less convenient and more painful method, sometimes causing a local reaction. In other words, sublingual immunotherapy could be a preferable variant for those who don't like needles or for people seeking a less invasive way of therapy. When using allergy drops, patients also don't have to go into a healthcare provider's office for every dose since they can take them at home. This subsequently makes the allergy drops more convenient for people who have tight schedules or reside away from the health facility. For people who find an injection difficult to have on schedule, the allergy drops may be a more suitable, less invasive form of treatment.
Allergy shots and allergy drops have scientifically proven effectiveness in reducing allergic symptoms and improving the quality of life for some patients. Some studies hypothesize that the beneficial effects of allergy shots may be more pronounced in some people, especially those who have very severe allergies to one or more allergens. Both allergy shots and allergy drops are generally safe when administered properly. Nonetheless, the very nature of the injection elevates certain groups to the risk of serious allergic reactions, such as potentially life-threatening reactions. There is a much smaller chance that allergy drops will cause anaphylaxis than shots, but they can still produce minor side effects like itching or swelling in the mouth.
Both are effective forms of immunotherapy in allergy treatment, but the two differ in administration, convenience, and effectiveness. The individual can consult a health professional for suggestions on the one that they may consider best for their case. Understanding the differences between allergy shots and allergy drops enables individuals to make informed decisions in regard to their immunotherapy treatments.
