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Allergy drops are a modern treatment option designed to help reduce allergy symptoms by gradually training the immune system to become less sensitive to allergens. This treatment is known as sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) and involves placing liquid drops containing small amounts of allergens under the tongue.
At Certified Allergy & Asthma Consultants, we help patients throughout New York’s Capital Region determine whether allergy drops may be an appropriate option for managing environmental allergies such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander.
Unlike medications that simply relieve symptoms temporarily, allergy drops aim to address the underlying immune response that causes allergic reactions. Over time, this controlled exposure to allergens can help reduce symptom severity and improve tolerance to triggers.
Allergy drops are a form of sublingual immunotherapy, meaning the treatment is administered beneath the tongue. Patients place drops containing small amounts of allergen extracts under the tongue daily, where they are absorbed through the oral tissues.
This exposure gradually teaches the immune system to respond less aggressively to allergens that previously caused symptoms.
Allergy drops are often used to treat environmental allergies such as:
By consistently exposing the body to small amounts of allergens, immunotherapy can help reduce allergic inflammation and improve long-term symptom control.
Allergy drops follow the same basic principle as allergy shots: controlled exposure to allergens to build tolerance over time.
Treatment typically follows several stages:
Your allergist performs allergy testing to identify the specific allergens causing symptoms.
Allergen extracts are formulated specifically for the patient based on testing results.
Drops are placed under the tongue each day, usually at home after the first supervised dose.
With consistent treatment, the immune system gradually becomes less sensitive to allergens, leading to fewer symptoms.
Most immunotherapy treatments continue for three to five years to achieve long-term improvement.
Allergy drops are most commonly used for respiratory allergies and allergic rhinitis.
Conditions that may be treated include:
Research shows that sublingual immunotherapy can effectively reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis and related respiratory allergies.
Both allergy drops and allergy shots are forms of immunotherapy designed to reduce sensitivity to allergens. The main difference is how the treatment is delivered.
For more information on allergy shots click here.
Both approaches aim to gradually retrain the immune system to tolerate allergens and reduce symptoms over time.
Discuss with your allergy provider which strategy is right for you.
Allergy drops are generally well tolerated and are considered a safe form of immunotherapy for many patients.
Severe allergic reactions are uncommon with sublingual immunotherapy.
However, there are some important considerations:
Your allergist can help determine whether allergy drops are appropriate based on your symptoms and allergy testing results.
Certified Allergy & Asthma Consultants serves patients in Albany, Clifton Park, Saratoga Springs, Troy, Schenectady, and throughout Upstate New York.
Patients trust Certified Allergy & Asthma Consultants for comprehensive allergy diagnosis and treatment.
Our specialists help patients:
For many individuals with persistent allergies, immunotherapy treatments such as allergy drops or allergy shots can provide meaningful long-term symptom relief.
