Atlanta Allergies - Sublingual Immunotherapy Atlanta Allergies - Sublingual Immunotherapy
Atlanta Allergies - Sublingual Immunotherapy
Atlanta Allergies - Sublingual Immunotherapy

Allergy Drops: What is Sublingual Immunotherapy?

Sublingual immunotherapy, or SLIT, is a form of immunotherapy that involves putting drops of allergen extracts under the tongue. Many people refer to this process as “allergy drops,” and it is an alternative treatment for allergy shots. This form of immunotherapy has been used for years in Europe and recently has had increased interest in the United States.

Allergy drops entail placing drops of allergen extracts under than tongue and then swallowing the extract. It allows the body to eventually become tolerant of the allergen by absorbing the allergen through the stomach lining. One of the significant benefits of allergy drops is that the patient can take the drops at home. Patients may know if they are getting benefits from the drops within three to six months. The drops are administered daily over a period of months to years.

Allergy drops have been proven to work for allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis (hayfever like symptoms) and to a lesser extent allergic asthma. It is commonly prescribed in Europe to treat those ailments. What is the Safety of Allergy Drops?

Over the past 10 years, the safety of SLIT has been well documented. Serious and fatal reactions to SLIT have not been reported to date. Mild side effects, such as an itchy mouth, occur in the majority of people, and moderate side effects have been documented (1 in about every 12,000 doses), including:

  • lip, mouth and tongue irritation
  • eye itching, redness and swelling
  • nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping and diarrhea
  • sneezing, nasal itching and congestion
  • asthma symptoms
  • hives or swelling
Because of the safety of SLIT, people generally treat themselves at home, and are followed in the clinic at close
intervals to monitor response to treatment.

Allergy Shots versus Allergy Drops?

Allergy shots have been around in the U.S. for many years and numerous studies have proven its benefit. Studies now are just starting on allergy drops in the U.S. and we await those results. Therefore, allergy shots are FDA approved in which allergy drops are not. There are still some questions on the correct dosages and the mixing of allergens together. Still, it is well prescribed in Europe and is an excellent option for those who cannot be on allergy
injections due to time constraints, needle phobia, or medications that may prevent allergy shots.

If you are symptomatic on medication, environmental changes and allergy shots are not an option, then consider allergy drops.

For any questions, please ask Dr. Chacko or a member of his staff.

Atlanta allergy treatment Doctor Thomas Chacko has practiced in Atlanta for several years, earning top reviews and becoming rated one of America's Top Doctors in Allergy/Immunology. Doctor Chacko is a Board Certified Pediatric and Adult Allergist/Immunologist. Doctor Chacko has multiple publications, including a review on the current asthma guidelines and a chapter on anaphylaxis in the operating room. He has also presented his research on allergy skin testing and immunotherapy at national meeting for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Dr. Chacko is originally from New York City and moved to the Atlanta in 2007.

About Northside ENT: We pride ourselves on providing excellent care and individual attention to our patients. Therefore, patients see the same allergist (Dr. Chacko) every visit and we get to know our patients very well. The goals of our practice are:
  1. Provide high quality care to all patients
  2. Listen to our patients and their needs
  3. Treat patients as we would want to be treated
We cover all areas of adult and pediatric allergy and immunology, including allergic rhinitis (hay fever), sinusitis, asthma, chronic cough, allergen immunotherapy, skin testing, food allergy, hives, drug allergy, anaphylaxis and generalized immune deficiencies.

Cathy Petzelt is Dr. Chacko’s medical assistant. She has more than 20 years experience in allergy. She is especially gifted with children, which our parents will attest to. We try to provide a family environment at Northside ENT.

Call 770-475-3361 to schedule your allergy evaluation with one of our board certified ENT specialists or our board certified allergist or fill out our Contact Form.



 Atlanta Allergies - Sublingual Immunotherapy
Atlanta Allergies - Sublingual Immunotherapy
Northside ENT 1360 Upper Hembree Rd Suite 201B | Roswell, GA 30076 | 770.475.3361 - Voice | 770.664.4431 - Fax | info@northsideents.com
Atlanta Allergies - Sublingual Immunotherapy